Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #135

Issue #135 - 2022

THE TIMBER DESIGN CENTRE Championing the use of timber in construction

The big picture

Maintaining your operational overview in rapidly changing times

The path to resolving infrastructure workforce challenges

SCAN QR CODE OR TEXT “BC135” TO 8101 FOR

ONLINE READING

The right stuff

What to look for when hiring an employee

Straight talk with Bruce Roberts Fletcher's man of steel

WAYS TO KEEP YOUNG STAFF WORKING HARD

WOULD YOU RATHER BE WORKING OR LIVING?

BUSINESS SALES FROM $500,000 TO $500 MILLION

FREEPHONE: 0800 SELL BIZ

EMAIL: info@barkerbusiness.co.nz

www.barkerbusiness.co.nz

Barker Business Brokerage

What is happening with Business Sales Today??

Demand for profitable businesses continues to remain extremely high.

General businesses, meaning, Wholesale, Childcare, Home Based, Manufacturing, Import, Building, Contracting, Service and Transport continue to be highly popular industries that are keenly sought after.

After two years of Government lock downs and negative business policy, a very-high percentage of businesses have come through continuing to make good profits. Yes, tourism, tourist towns and any business relying on overseas visitors have been hard hit, but on the positive, there are many more businesses that are making better bottom-lines than ever.

We believe that the better bottom-line is being fueled by Kiwis not travelling overseas and choosing to spend their hard-earned money on items such as - household goods, household renovations, vehicles, boats etc. In other words, spending money in NZ rather than overseas.

Many Kiwis have returned from overseas, which has also contributed to pushing up the demand for good profitable businesses.

Demand to buy businesses has never been greater in the last 10 years!

Barker Business Brokerage have recently sold a range of general businesses in the $3m to $30m price bracket. The demand for these businesses is very strong. In fact, we have buyers for businesses from $200,000 up to $500m.

With the border restrictions lifting, the outlook for 2022 is optimistic.

We have noticed three clear trends: • The majority of our business owner clients, prospective clients and contacts have rebounded from their past bad yearend results significantly over the last six months. Even clients in the tourism sector have witnessed a resurgence in bookings from domestic travelers.

• After COVID, numerous owners are risk averse and sensing that 2022 is a suitable time to sell their business, due to operational challenges and pandemic burnout. They want to retire and enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.

• With less opportunity for international buyers of companies, and NZ companies not being able to easily grow overseas, there is a strong appetite from large NZ companies to buy revenue and earnings through acquisition.

Here at Barker Business Brokerage, we are experiencing a huge demand for good businesses, and we are selling many small businesses as well as businesses in the $5m to $50m price bracket. With our excellent marketing program and brokers expertise, we are often experiencing multi-offers which ensures that you are receiving the Best Possible Price on today’s market.

Therefore, if you are considering selling your business now or in the next few years, contact one of our experienced Business Sales Specialists for a free no obligation appraisal or ask for a copy of “Complete Client Guide” brochure which has a lot of information on selling your business. Our business sales specialists will work for you to get the best possible price in today’s market

Maximising Sales Value As Business Brokers we are constantly asked to maximise a client’s sales value. It is a fair request and one that can be worked on years before the business is actively marketed. We have a number of ways which can be used to optimise value, but one of the most overlooked is in the accounts of a business.

Most businesses are value based on a multiple of their profits and demonstrating more profit will lead to more money when the business sells.

One way to demonstrate more profit, that many business owners overlook, is normalising your profits. This means taking certain incomes and expenses out of the profit and loss statement to give a more accurate picture of the business operating costs. It is certainly worth taking the time to do this because it can add thousands to the final value of your business.

Bringing in Experts Normalising accounts is an area where it can be good to get expert help, from your accountant or Business Broker. Business Brokers regularly help businesses with this task and know where to look to find adjustments. For example, a broker will look in your "other expenses," where miscellaneous expenses that can be added to your EBITDA are often filed away. Considering how much each of these add-backs can add to your bottom line, reaching out for help to maximise your profits is a great investment. Take the time to maximise your adjusted EBITDA at the start of the process to ensure any offer truly reflects the value of the business.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 3

Contents Page: 13

Page: 29

Page: 60

Contents

Welcome

- publisher's note In this issue of Builders & Contractors we talk to the Timber Design Centre about the use of timber in construction.

We delve into the real estate industry, discussing if are we now in a buyers’ market, look at cost reimbursement project contracts, how to keep young staff on point, how to maintain your operational overview in rapidly changing times, and the path to resolving infrastructure workforce challenges.

6:

Are we in a buyers’ market now?

16:

8:

What contract do you use for cost reimbursement projects?

20: What to look for when hiring

9: 12: 13: 14:

Five ways to keep young staff working hard Maintaining your operational overview in rapidly changing times

The path to resolving infrastructure workforce challenges

36:

44: Maxwell Sercombe - the 2021

Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year

an employee

24: Championing the use of timber

47:

in construction

29: Prowood’s 20 years of laminated timber experience

Registered Masters Builders Apprentice of the Year competition is now open to all ages

30: Steel still going strong: HERA

Three Waters workforce report sets the scene for transformative change

34: Steel specialists Global Engineering

Seismic Research

Page: 24

There are also pieces on HERA’s seismic research, an interview with Bruce Roberts from Fletcher Steel, a preview of the upcoming CANZ Conference, and information about hempcrete construction.

The vital roles experience and culture play at Next Level Commercial

48: CANZ Conference 2022

– a celebration of excellence

54: A push to lift MEWP standards 60: Maintaining safe scaffold practices 62: The Insulation Association of New Zealand

66: Page: 22

Straight talk with Bruce Roberts Fletcher’s man of steel

Ensuring your threshold drainage meets code compliance

69: Eliminating weathertightness worries 68: Promoting and supporting hempcrete construction

70: Ensuring you hire the right security professionals

72:

As always, we thank all our columnists for their expertise, along with the views, opinions and predictions of all those who contributed, to help you manage the risks your face each and every day.

Female leaders at the forefront of C21NZ’s success

78: Wānaka’s lakefront set for face-lift 80: Northland’s infrastructure upgrades designed to protect against future weather events

82: Foxton attracts spacious new NZMCA

Editor

motorhome park

Builders and Contractors, a national

trade newspaper targeted directly at New Zealand's building and construction industry.

For some time we were aware that, although the building and related trades were generally covered individually by some trade journals, there was no amalgamated news link for trades as a whole, especially on a nationwide basis.

leaders and decision makers: government & trade organisations, site safe members, business owners and professionals in the industry.

This void has been successfully filled by Builders & Contractors. Distribution is by way of various outlets: PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, Builders Hardware, I.T.M., Carters, Site Safe Members, Home Ideas Centre, timber companies, hire companies, together with our database direct mail drop to architects, draughting professionals, consulting engineers, building consultants, designers and local Councils. By these means we aim to reach one of the most powerful buying groups in the industry.

Nationwide Distribution: Mailed directly

Disclaimer

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

Readers: Construction/building industry

to a carefully maintained list of decision makers and subscribers for 25 years.

FREE distribution maximises readership 4 | B&C - Issue #135

Does your company have any exciting projects or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Builders & Contractors?

Please contact us to discuss: Editorial:

Jonathon Taylor Phone: (03) 961 5098 editor@academygroup.co.nz PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8041

Production:

Jarred Shakespeare Phone: (03) 961 5088 jarred@academygroup.co.nz

Sales Manager:

Monice Kruger Phone: (03) 961 5083 sales@academygroup.co.nz

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This publication is provided on the basis that AMark Publishing NZ Ltd is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. AMark Publishing NZ Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2017 by AMark Publishing NZ Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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Price Holyoake

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Issue #135 - B&C | 5

News

Are we in buyers' market now?

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang

For most millennials living in New Zealand, as far as they can remember, interest rates have only fallen while house prices have only risen.

A few developers went into liquidation or receivership, unable to withstand the heat of rising construction costs.

Furthermore, recent hikes in inflation rates have rippled through the nation via rapid rises to living costs.

The sharp and hard spike to OCR and mortgage interest rates further shocked homeowners (especially those with large loans).

No millennials experienced the sky-rocketing mortgage interest rates that hit 20 percent during the 1980s, and most millennials will not even recall the effects of the GFC boosting rates to approximately 10 percent before falling sharply in 2009 with a continual decline since.

For instance, if a purchaser borrowed 80 percent LVR of their house purchased for $1M and their market value of the house drops to $900k, the banks may require a partial repayment to keep the LVR 80 percent of $900k.

Homeowners have readily accepted their mortgage interest rates of around two percent as the norm, so there has been speculation of what would happen if this figure rose even one or two percent over the coming years.

Most borrowers would struggle to make such a repayment.

The country listened to see if the Government would cut their spending or offer relief, but Finance Minister Grant Robertson insisted there would be no cut to budgets or taxes.

However, not even the chief economists predicted the rise would happen so quickly.

As of 21 April 2020, the advertised rates of almost all first-tier banks are sitting over 5.5 percent for floating and around 4.5 percent to over five percent for one year fixed.

Vendors’ market Despite the Government introducing the bright line test regime a whopping 3 times in 2015, 2018 and 2021 with topped up “hold periods”, house prices in New Zealand continue to grow beyond our wildest imaginations.

Every time we think that it has reached the peak, it grows past those estimates.

Little inflation, falling interest rates, quantitative easing (printing money), huge demand in houses, and not enough supply have kept the housing market “hot” and largely a vendors’ market to date.

Anyone setting up shop and calling themselves a “developer” was selling “off the plan” houses like hotcakes and purchasers could not get enough. It did not matter that they were not providing quality products, were delayed, or had no experience.

Furthermore, many purchasers were simply flipping and making huge profits regardless of the bright line tax laws. More developers emerged (large and small).

Many landlords became sick of the increasingly onerous healthy homes and residential tenancies regulations that made it too difficult and expensive to bother being landlords anymore and turned to development.

Unfair, unreasonable contracts did not stop buyers signing up. Banks and private lenders were eager to provide construction funding based on these pre-sales.

6 | B&C - Issue #135

Contractors (notwithstanding delays) and subcontractors were busy making profits with the luxury of picking only lucrative jobs and ignoring anything too hard.

Even with Covid and significant delays in products and labour, contractors were able to use their favourable contracts to charge more, and developers could on-charge this relying on their favourable contracts.

Alternatively, they simply cancelled their existing contracts (whether legal or not) and went straight back to the market to find another purchaser who was willing to pay them over $100k more for the same product.

Buyers' market?

Then, banks started tightening their portfolios and lending. Numerous applications were declined, and brokers spoke of withholding applications altogether, knowing the clients would be declined.

Stories emerged of a poor mother being declined finance for spending $184.00 at K-mart on Christmas day, despite having no other issues with credit or finance.

More sob stories followed. Many prospective purchasers found that their current applications were expiring, and they would either be declined, or be approved for a lesser sum, considerably decreasing their budget, and buying power.

This caused a knee-jerk reaction in late 2021 when buyers desperately attended auctions

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(virtually or otherwise) to buy quick, even at a high price.

Therefore, auction rates and median prices of houses soared even during lockdown but slowed shortly thereafter as purchasers cautiously awaited their fate in the hands of the banks.

In early 2022, the property market seemed to freeze or “plateau” as buyers nervously waited to be approved finance before they could sign purchase agreements.

Vendors found it difficult to sell existing houses on the market as everyone was being declined finance.

Developers could not sell off-the-plan as most banks refused to provide purchasers with approvals extending over six months, so purchasers struggled to sign contracts for houses to be built one or two years later.

Only cash buyers could comfortably sign contracts for houses yet to be built.

Consequently, many developers failed to achieve the required pre-sales targets and financiers declined construction funding, causing projects to be cancelled.

Recent stories emerged like the $85M Beachcroft Residences in Onehunga being placed “on hold” as Erson Developments failed to counter the plagues that reached developers. The main contractor Teak Construction Group demobilised from the site though they had no default or failure.

Against this backdrop developers and vendors (especially distressed vendors) became more accommodating to potential purchasers. After all, that pre-sale could be their key to funding their development project.

While the writer has experienced a slight “pick up” of the sales levels during recent months, many purchasers are now (for the first time in months if not over a year), signing agreements conditional upon purchaser’s finance, due diligence, LIM, builders report, or other such conditions.

Previously, purchasers had to fork up these costs and engage in due diligence prior to attending an auction or offering an unconditional offer to purchase.

Now it seems like the purchasers can call the shots if they can get funding or have cash to buy.

Banks are finally showing indications of loosening their lending while interest rates rise. How long the buyers’ market will last is anybody’s guess.

If you have any construction, property, employment, or litigation queries, please feel free to contact Tina Hwang or Marcus Beveridge at Queen City Law. We have taken care to ensure that the information given is accurate; however, it is intended for general guidance only and should not be relied upon in individual cases.

Professional advice should be always be sought before any decision or action is taken.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 7

News

What contract do you use for cost reimbursement projects Geoff Hardy

by Geoff Hardy, an Auckland commercial lawyer

Of the various ways in which a construction company can charge for its goods and services, one of the recognised methods is the cost reimbursement, cost plus, or charge-up model.

This is in stark contrast to the most common method, which is the fixed price or lump sum model.

Cost reimbursement arrangements are relatively rare in big-budget commercial or infrastructure projects, largely because the Principal needs some certainty as to the ultimate cost, and the Contractor is comfortable providing that certainty because of the sophistication of the design and quantity surveying expertise available.

If something does emerge that was unanticipated, the Contractor can insulate itself against those risks to some extent through mechanisms like variations, prime and provisional sums, cost fluctuations, and contingency sums.

Cost reimbursement arrangements tend to be more common in the residential and light commercial sectors where it simply isn’t possible to accurately predict the amount of work required or the costs the Contractor is going to be exposed to.

Therefore the risk of committing to a fixed price is too great. That situation frequently arises where the project involves adding to, altering or renovating an existing structure and much of the complexity will only become apparent once demolition has exposed areas that are originally hidden. Renovations of old villas and remediation of leaky houses are prime examples.

What is cost reimbursement?

The essence of a cost-reimbursement arrangement is that the Contractor passes on to the Principal the direct costs and on-site overheads that are incurred in providing the required building services, and adds an allowance for the Contractor’s profit and offsite overheads.

Although the Principal will generally ask the Contractor to estimate the ultimate cost of the project at the outset, that estimate is not binding and can prove to be wildly inaccurate. Consequently the risk of a budget 8 | B&C - Issue #135

blowout is real, and it all falls on the Principal.

Zealand origin, only one has a specific cost reimbursement contract.

Usually the only pricing constraints the law places on the Contractor is to calculate the original estimate as accurately as possible, and to keep the Principal informed of how the costs are tracking to budget, so that the Principal can instruct negative variations when a budget blowout is looming.

This is produced by the Certified Builders Association and they call it a Cost & Markup contract because the builder adds the agreed mark-up (which is different to a “margin” in accounting terms) to any of three selected inputs – materials, subcontractors, and labour.

In actual fact there is really no such thing as a true fixed price contract. Most fixed price contracts are hybrid arrangements that contain elements of both fixed price and cost reimbursement.

The Master Builders Association, on the other hand, produces a residential building contract known as RCB1 2018, which allows for either a lump sum/fixed price or a charge-up price depending on which option is selected.

There are often components of the contract price that are designated as monetary allowances (prime cost sums, provisional sums, cost fluctuations, and contingency sums). These are simply estimates, to be later replaced by the actual cost, once known.

Then there are variations – parts of the work or materials that are directed to be done differently from what was specified originally - which are invariably charged for on some sort of cost reimbursement basis. And of course cost fluctuation arrangements are pure cost reimbursement.

Arguably you could turn what is labelled a fixed price contract into what is effectively a cost reimbursement contract simply by making all components of the Contract price one or more of these monetary allowances.

However in a true cost reimbursement project the concept of variations, prime and provisional sums, cost fluctuations, and contingency sums are largely irrelevant from a pricing perspective. It is as if 100 percent of the estimated contract price is a monetary allowance.

It doesn’t matter whether the work was part of the original scope or outside of it, nor does it matter whether the prices originally obtained from suppliers and subcontractors went up or not. That is because the Contractor simply passes on the cost of doing the work, regardless of what it might be.

Are there specific cost reimbursement contracts?

Given the prevalence of cost reimbursement arrangements in some sectors – and the extreme difficulty in accurately pricing projects in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic – you would have thought that standard-form cost reimbursement contracts would be relatively common.

But in fact, of the four most commonly–used suites of building contracts with a New

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The suites of building contracts put out by Standards New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Architects are traditionally fixed price contracts, and the cost reimbursement option has been added almost as an afterthought.

Standards New Zealand have merely inserted one additional page of clauses (eg. clauses 2.4.1-2.4.5 in NZS 3910: 2013) and a couple of options in the Special Conditions, to cater for cost reimbursement jobs.

NZIA do it by giving the parties the option of adopting a specific schedule which is intended to transform the fixed price contract into a cost reimbursement contract - like modifying a petrol-driven car to run on LPG. Consequently, it is a rather clumsy mechanism.

How NZIA deals with it Take NZIA’s Standard Construction Contract SCC 2018 for example. This converts into a cost reimbursement contract if the parties choose to adopt Schedule B2 CRC Special Conditions.

This Schedule is three pages long and it adds a page and a half of new definitions as well as a few new provisions to the General Terms and Conditions. But the definitions are oddly worded, some of them change the familiar wording of the corresponding definitions in the base contract, and most of them aren’t used anywhere outside of those definitions so you have to add some wording to properly utilise them.

Clause 14.1.2(e) of the General Conditions states that the Contractor’s payment claim must state the “value” of the work done (see clause 15.1.3(e) for the equivalent provision for the final payment claim), and that applies equally to fixed price contracts and to cost reimbursement contracts.

Schedule B2 says that the Contract Works are to be carried on a Cost Reimbursement basis, and that is defined to mean compensation for work carried out, which compensation is made up of Direct Costs, and “may include” On-Site Overheads.

However, in contrast to that, “Final Contract Price” (an expression not used elsewhere in the Contract) is the total of Direct Costs less any Disallowed Costs, plus On-Site Overheads and Off-Site Overheads and Profit.

Both forms of overhead are extensively defined (differently from the way the General Conditions defines them) but “Profit” is defined as “Profit”.

There is a suggestion (no more than that) in Schedule B2 that the Contract Price specified in Schedule A1 (the Contract Agreement) is an estimate only, and similarly a hint that the Contractor may have given the Principal estimates of the Direct Costs, because the Contractor is required to update them whenever they significantly change.

Clause 6 of Schedule B2 records that the parties may agree to convert Direct Cost estimates into lump sums. Under clause 7, the Contractor’s payment claims must include a summary of the invoices for materials and subcontracted works, weekly summaries of what appear to be the Contractor’s staff time records, and details of overheads “where these are on a Cost Reimbursement basis”.

A sophisticated construction contract like NZIA SCC 2018 ought to do better than this.

I think it’s time that both Standards New Zealand and NZIA produced a standalone cost reimbursement contract.

Geoff Hardy has 46 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and is a partner in the Auckland firm Martelli McKegg. He guarantees personal attention to new clients at competitive rates. His phone number is (09) 379 0700, fax (09) 309 4112, and e-mail geoff@martellimckegg. co.nz. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

News

Millennials on your team?

Five ways to keep your young staff working hard

Daniel Fitzpatrick, Next Level Tradie

By Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you’ve probably had a few bad experiences with younger staff.

millennials will have worked 5 jobs by their 35th birthday.

They want to level up in life and aren’t afraid to jump ship if they need to. So, show them what they can achieve with you.

This might be completing their apprenticeship, reaching a certain pay rate, saving for a house or escaping from living pay-cheque to pay-cheque. They’ll work harder with a target in mind.

They can sometimes be lazy, entitled, or even self-absorbed. Not wanting to work hard but wanting to be paid top dollar.

There are those that want too many days off.

Or worse, the ones that don’t even turn up (and your call goes straight to voicemail).

Tell them about the levels they can achieve within your business and the timeframes they can achieve it in. It shows them why they should stick with you, so you end up with loyal employees.

When staff are unreliable, it wrecks your schedule. It’s time consuming, it costs you money, you feel disrespected and frustrated.

Justifiably so.

Generational differences are nothing new. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to navigate.

Here are a few tips that will help you draw the best out of your younger team members:

#1: Keep the faith – there are good ones out there Keep in mind that young staff are a bit like referees. You hear more about the bad ones than the good. However, it’s inevitable that millennials will be part of your team.

When it comes time to hire, here’s how to sort the good from the bad: Good young staff are enthusiastic. Look for this when you interview so you know they’re motivated from the outset.

Uncover their patterns of behaviour.

You’re looking for signs of work ethic and commitment. How long were they at their last job? Why did they leave?

If they’re fresh out of school, look for something they’ve shown commitment to in the past (like a sports team). If you can reveal their attitude early, you won’t find yourself regretting hiring them after their first week.

If you’ve got great young staff already (or you know someone that does) ask them if they’ve got mates looking for work. Like attracts like.

Consider a referral bonus to add a little motivation. If they introduce you to someone you end up hiring, give them a $500 bonus.

Most importantly, don’t settle. Finding good staff is not easy, but hiring someone who brings the whole team down will cost you massively.

Hot tip: make sure your website is up to date and your company uses digital tools.

If you’re still relying on paper trails, the good millennials may think you’re stuck in a time lapse.

#2: Use their love of tech to your advantage We all know how much today’s young staff love being on their devices. It’s no doubt caused you a few headaches. But what if their love of tech could benefit the business?

Try asking them to take site photos for your social media. They know how to take a good photo and what content works. Plus, it’s one less thing you need to worry about.

If you’re looking for a good piece of software, consider involving a young team member.

Have someone explain to them what’s needed and let them do the research for you.

Showing one of your team members how to do something? Ask another to video it. You’ll start documenting your training processes.

This way you can start to systemise and don’t end up having to explain the same thing every time you hire.

While using their love for tech is good – it still doesn’t solve the productivity problem.

Set things up so phones can only be used in breaks (or for work purposes of course).

Make the most of the first digital generation and use their tech skills to help your business.

#3: Be frequent with your feedback Think back to when you started out in the trades. How did your first boss teach you?

They probably fast-tracked your learning by dropping you in the deep end and hoping you’d swim.

That was how you were led. Keep in mind your younger staff have grown up in a world of instant gratification. They’re used to everything happening fast, so can struggle with things that take time.

It’s up to us to help them build confidence and learn patience. This just means leading them differently.

They want to know where they stand, and thrive off more frequent feedback. They’ll learn faster, and you get a happier team member turning up to work each morning.

A quality of a good leader is changing the way you communicate to serve the people you lead.

Use things like the 5min chats before meetings, the one-liners of recognition or the ‘hey good job, have you thought of trying it this way’ coaching as quick ways of giving feedback. It’s easy for you and meaningful to them, so they’ll keep working hard.

It’ll probably feel different to how you were led. But it shows them you’re interested in them. Meaning they’ll invest more in you and your business. Small, consistent wins will add up to big triumphs.

#4: Everyone will work hard for something Your first job was a measure of security. It was your escape from the academic system that didn’t suit you, and finding another one would’ve been difficult. So, you worked hard to make sure you kept it.

Learning is an important part of levelling up.

When they make mistakes, train them how to do it right. Most importantly, teach them what matters most - learning from it. This way they’ll improve and you won’t have to go back and fix things next time.

Help them enjoy their job by being approachable. If you work hard, help your team out and can have a laugh at the same time as doing your job, chances are you’ll see the same in your team.

#5: Where are you at as a leader?

If you want your staff to perform, they’ll always need nurturing (regardless of their generation).

It’s easy to sit back and blame young people for underperforming. Reality is, as a business owner, the more you take responsibility for building your team, the better the results.

Yes, millennials have their generational challenges. But so does every generation.

Let’s face it — good leaders adapt.

How are you leading your team - the way you were led, or how they need to be?

Getting the best out of them means meeting them at their level first. Then fueling them to deliver on what you need.

Need a plan to move your business forward with confidence? Book a free strategy chat with me here: https://nextleveltradie.co.nz/ nextstep.

But millennials want a job that helps them see their future. If they can’t see their next step with you, they are more willing to find it elsewhere. Studies show that 25% of www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 9

Workdek

Workdek production moves to New Zealand New Zealand’s safest work platform system is now manufacturing in New Zealand

Falls, eliminated Worksafe NZ endorses Workdek’s view on the hierarchy of fall protection; that eliminating the fall is better than capturing the fall. Nets are outdated, unsafe and counterproductive.

Workdek is the alternative, safer solution.

Following demand from the local building industry, the owners of Workdek have begun production at a purpose-built facility in Huntly. The platform system is now being used by building companies across the country and business opportunities with Workdek are set to follow later this year.

Franchise opportunities coming soon Workdek is welcoming interest to franchise opportunities that will be available later this year. More information about Workdek can be found at www.workdek.com and for franchise information, contact Director, David Grigor on 0800 3255 7233.

Built for builders, by builders Work platforms have been used with great success in United Kingdom for more than 10 years. The team that brought Workdek to New Zealand, who were builders themselves, used their vast experience to improve the systems and launched the Kiwi version of Workdek to the local market in 2021.

Designed and tested to work for New Zealand conditions, the platform system is a proven solution for safety, enhances productivity and reduces stresses on the body too. Building crews are happier and companies’ bottom lines are positive too.

The components of Workdek 1. Deck This helps eliminate the fall by letting builders work safely at any height with their tools. Each deck holds up to 200kg, improves performance and reduces fatigue.

2. Coupler This clever piece of kit is all about strength and stability. It sits at the top of the legs to support the decks.

3. Legs These super-stable legs support the deck system and extend your working height.

Stable ground, now built on local ground After two years in the local market, Workdek has had increasing demand from New Zealand building companies. Builders have realised the multiple benefits of the platform system and now see Workdek as an essential tool for productivity and safety. With the increase in demand, it made sense to bring manufacture to NZ soil. With production now out of Workdek’s facility in Huntly, the owners can oversee quality control and develop stronger relationships with New Zealand builders who are embracing the successful system.

Workdek is the gamechanging platform system that allows builders to work quickly, efficiently and safely, at any height.

Gone are the days of relying on ladders, scaffolding and nets.

Faster, safer, no brainer Workdek is the game-changing platform system that allows builders to work quickly, efficiently and safely, at any height. Gone are the days of relying on ladders, scaffolding and nets; now replaced with a robust and reliable system where the ultimate in safety is matched by new levels of productivity.

10 | B&C - Issue #135

4. Foot The foot anchors the leg and spreads the weight load. It can handle the weight of a Sumo wrestler.

5. Pins The Pins secure the Coupler, Leg and Deck together to overcome any separation anxiety.

6. Strap Lastly, this secures the Workdek system to the frames to minimise movement.

New heights of productivity

No ladders, no nets, no sweat

Workdek is a simple but strong and stable work platform. The modular construction system can be easily configured to work on any building site. And the beauty of it?

Builders can work twice as fast, at any height.

Tools and machinery on hand at any level is no problem, with each Workdek deck holding up to 200kgs.

Teams can build at speed, without the fear of falling. Word from building sites is that productivity with Workdek is increasing – builders are working twice as fast compared to working with other height systems.

With safety at its core, Workdek is an innovative working platform that prevents falls. The people behind Workdek owned a building company and had first-hand experience with the frustrations of working with nets and other inferior fall protection systems. Nets rarely stop items falling through to lower levels, potentially hurting workers, and causing all kinds of health and safety issues. While Workdek may cost more than nets to install, the price pales into comparison with the increased performance and profitability from working on what feels like, stable ground.

Common feedback from builders who have used Workdek on site includes;

Rugged, reliable and easy to install

“This is an absolute game changer!”

“With Workdek, we’re now working twice as fast.”

“We’re now more efficient and my team’s guaranteed not to fall.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Workdek’s modular platforms are made from injection molded panels that snap together creating a stable work platform at any building height. The decks are supported by a complete system that is as easy to put together as playing with Lego. The components are lightweight yet once locked into place, are incredibly durable and sturdy.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 11

News

The big picture Maintaining your operational overview in rapidly changing times Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects

by Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects

As I sit and consider this article, Omicron is rushing through the country like a train. And while it’s Covid that’s currently causing chaos, the importance of maintaining perspective while managing your business when under pressure can never be overstated.

It’s very easy to quickly lose your sense of perspective in challenging times, so it’s important that as you and your team respond and adapt to the continually changing needs of your customers and your business, you all remain focused on your core purpose.

So what can you do to help your team ensure they manage the urgent, while keeping an ye on the bigger picture?

Connection is the foundation for a healthy team While ‘water cooler conversations’ have borne the brunt of many a joke over the years, these ad hoc conversations, about everything and nothing, can actually be really helpful to building your organisational culture and a healthy team.

So now that we know we can suddenly be faced with working virtually for any amount of time, how do you keep people connected?

solutions or clarification. This is also a useful way for your leaders to identify any trends or issues that are affecting the team, and can be great for generating new ideas • Have fun by mixing up the delivery of your online meetings. For example, ask a team member to run an online game or quiz • And don’t forget the importance of social connections. Having virtual drinks is a great way for people to unwind at the end of the week and chat about non-workrelated issues.

Explore different ways to form and strengthen connections

Reconnect with what drives you

Look at your patterns and purposes for the meetings that happen in your business.

Are there any that include time for individuals to connect, chat, get to know one another and give them a chance to problem-solve together?

Keeping your team focussed on the core purpose, or mission, of your business is at the heart of strong leadership. When done well, it can instil confidence, clarity and develop a shared sense of ownership for why you exist as a team.

• If you are having a longer meeting, pair people up with a ‘connection buddy’ and ask them to step away from their desk and get on the phone with their ‘buddy’ for 10 minutes and have a chat. If you can encourage them to go for a quick walk as they do so, even better. And, if you think it necessary, you can always provide a few prompts or suggest a couple of topics people can choose to talk about

Here are some ways to help strengthen your sense of purpose:

• Consider an ‘agenda-less’ meeting to provide a forum where people can ask questions to get support, answers, 12 | B&C - Issue #135

Keep your company mission or vision visible to the team in as many places as possible, and refer to it in daily interactions.

Sometimes it’s the informal discussions that can yield the most creative opportunities for how to bring that mission or vision to life.

In one on ones, help team members connect with the big picture simply by asking ‘How does this support us to achieve our vision/mission?’

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Devise some questions with your team that they can ask one another to help hold themselves true to your values. This is useful for creating a bit of shared accountability.

Highlight how the work that your team is doing with and/or for your customers reflects your mission or vision, perhaps by highlighting the results they get and how this relates to it.

Enabling people to connect their work to the greater purpose of the organisation is an effective way to increase employee engagement.

It can generate or renew their own individual sense of purpose, and you may find it has benefits that support wellbeing too.

Find ways to explore and bring your values to life If your mission or vision is the ‘end game’ for your business, your values are what drive you toward this. In this way, they are the fuel that support your motivation, drive your behaviour and influence the choices you make on a day-to-day basis.

If your organisation doesn’t have a set of values then see if you can identify some words that articulate what is important to you and your team, and use these.

Finding ways for your team to explore their own connections to your organisation’s values can have real benefits. For example, you may find that team members identify new ways of living your values by discussing how they look in action.

Have a discussion about what your organisational values mean to them.

Encourage them to identify verbs that relate to these and look for connections between your overall view and their personal ideas.

Devise some questions with your team that they can ask one another to help hold themselves true to your values. This is useful for creating a bit of shared accountability.

Keeping it real will keep you moving If you’re unused to talking about your values openly and honestly, these activities and discussions can feel a bit woolly or challenging to begin with. However, the more you do so, the more authentic and lived the values become.

And when your team know what you stand for and how they contribute to your purpose, it can motivate them – and most importantly, you – to stay focussed and true to what you are about, and particularly in difficult circumstances, help drive your organisation forward.

News

The great resignation and the rise of the tradies Recent growth in New Zealand carpentry apprentices has led Master Builders to open its annual carpentry apprentice competition to all ages.

Registered Masters Builders has announced its Apprentice of the Year competition in partnership with CARTERS will now be open to all ages, as more older apprentices, and second career seekers look for opportunities in the building sector.

Dubbed the "Great Resignation", both in New Zealand and globally we are seeing more people re-evaluate their employment and look for new opportunities.

A recent study by AUT reports that those most likely to leave their jobs has increased from 34.7 percent to 46.4 percent since the inception of Covid.

However, the study also showed that one of the professions that are most likely to retain employees are the trades. This is also evident in the record level of building and carpentry apprentices now signing up to join the sector.

Where once an apprentice would join their trade straight from school, we are now seeing older apprentices join the sector.

The average age of a BCITO apprentice is currently 28, and many are coming to building as a second or even third career.

Last year’s Apprentice of the Year national winner, Jarred Badham says that the pandemic solidified his decision to get into carpentry.

“After five years as an aircraft mechanic with a hobby of building furniture, I decided it was time for a change and I became a carpentry apprentice. Looking back now and how times have changed, it was the best change I could have made," Jarred says.

Apprenticeships provide fantastic career opportunities – not only do you earn as you learn, but you are also part of an industry with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth.

Jarred’s employer, Stewart Buchanan of Nailing It, believes having a mature apprentice is a real asset.

"It's great to have someone who's had a bit of life experience. Jarred is able to apply his prior learnings and life skills to his job now, which I see as a real bonus."

Master Builders has opened the Apprentice of the Year competition age limit to

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reflect the employment landscape and our new climate.

Master Builders chief executive, David Kelly, comments on the benefits the trades has to offer.

“Apprenticeships provide fantastic career opportunities – not only do you earn as you learn, but you are also part of an industry with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth.

“It is great to see that this is being recognised by so many New Zealanders.

The Apprentice of the Year competition helps young apprentices as they begin their careers and also recognises the employers who invest in young talent.

“The pandemic has influenced the way that Kiwis are thinking about their jobs, and we felt this was the perfect time to welcome all ages to partake in our competition.

“Our industry needs more skilled builders to not only meet our current demand, but to provide a pipeline of skilled workers as we look to our recovery.

“The Government Apprenticeship Boost has been a great initiative and is also a huge contributor to the rise of new apprentices.

Programmes such as these are essential to help bring talent on board and create a skilled construction workforce,” David says.

Entries for this year’s Apprentice of the Year closed on April 14.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 13

News

Three Waters workforce report sets the scene for transformative change When reflecting on the state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s three waters sector, there are a number of complex challenges that warrant swift address.

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right that is currently not being adequately met for one in five New Zealanders.

It’s estimated that the three waters sector will need an additional 6,000-9,000 skilled workers over the next 30 years if we are to meet safe drinking water standards and improve environmental outcomes.

Research triggered by the proposed three waters reform has highlighted in excess of 75,000 small water providers will need to be onboarded by the sector over time following implementation of the Water Services Act 2021, which establishes drinking water standards and regulates all water suppliers.

In the face of considerable infrastructure deficit and massive workforce competition, there is a signficant need for growth and strong leadership at all levels.

Certainly, the statistics speak volumes and there’s no question that critical change in this sector cannot wait another day.

That’s why a new report setting the scene for the transformative work needed could not have come at a more important time.

We Are Water – Ko Wai Tātau Three Waters Workforce Development Strategy is a joint collaboration between Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, Water New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs, Taumata Arowai, Connexis, and industry.

The report comprises a workforce development strategy for the water services sector, covering drinking water supply, wastewater and stormwater.

requires a national stategy that clarifies exactly what the workforce needs are for the next 5 to 10 years.

“This strategy will help us to develop long-term career pathways to attract and retain workers.

“We need to look at how we can attract people into the sector who are just starting out in their careers as well as those with transferable skills from other sectors, including people heavily affected by COVID-19.

“We want to ensure greater diversity, and this means a particular emphasis on recruitment and support for Māori, women and people retraining from other sectors.”

Strategic goals and recommendations

Following two interactive webinars to discuss the report, which were held in March and April with strong turnout from industry, Grumball says the next milestone is for industry to work together to act on the intent of the report.

“The next phase of the work will involve collaborating with industry to explore how the fourteen recommendations can be implemented. I strongly urge the sector to get involved in this opportunity to establish the framework for future growth.”

Recommendation 7 – Tell real stories of life in the industry.

New Zealand’s water sector is entering a new stage of management that incorporates regionalised (and localised) Māori knowledge and oversight.

Commissioning Māori-led research on this topic is needed to progress in a way that upholds the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Recommendation 8 – Find a united industry voice.

Recommendation 1: Build understanding of Te Mana o te Wai.

We Are Water – Ko Wai Tātau Three Waters Workforce Development Strategy was funded by the Tertiary Education Commission’s COVID-19 Response Projects Fund.

For a copy of the report, go to: www.wearewater.nz.

Strategic Goal 1: RESPECT MĀORI INTERESTS AND KNOWLEDGE

Recommendation 2: Understand new opportunities for Māori roles and pathways.

Recommendation 3: Provide a bridge for rangatahi Māori into existing water roles.

Recommendation 4: Grow and support Māori leadership.

Strategic Goal 2: CREATE INTUITIVE CAREER PATHWAYS

It presents a roadmap with four strategic goals – respect Māori interests and knowledge, create intuitive career pathways, design for career progression and design for success to support the change needed.

Enacting the reform requires a not seen before step-change in the industry’s ability to attract and recruit a diversity of talent in New Zealand.

These goals are underpinned by 14 recommendations, outlined in the breakout box in this article.

Waihanga Ara Rau General Manager Assurance Mike Grumball says the sector

Strategic Goal 3: DESIGN FOR CAREER PROGRESSION There is a positive perception inside industry that a new level of collaboration is required for successful growth.

Recommendation 9 – Create flexible, consistent pathways.

Recommendation 10 – Develop leadership and mentorship programmes.

Strategic Goal 4: DESIGN FOR SUCCESS There is a need for a long-term, valuesaligned strategy to strengthen recruitment, skills and training throughout the sector, and across all regions of Aotearoa.

Recommendation 11 – Invest in talent and communities.

Recommendation 12 – Build trust with small water suppliers.

Recommendation 5 – Create clear entry points from other sectors.

Recommendation 13 – Build and leverage data.

Recommendation 6 – Establish focussed outreach to schools.

Recommendation 14 – Create a values driven sector.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 15

News

The path to resolving infrastructure workforce challenges A new report on entering New Zealand’s civil infrastructure construction workforce has been published by national association Civil Contractors New Zealand, with support from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and employment.

Titled Developing a Skilled Civil Construction Workforce, the 67-page report explores the challenges and solutions the civil infrastructure construction industry faces in bringing new entrants into the workforce and developing them into skilled civil tradespeople.

Civil Contractors chief executive, Alan Pollard, says New Zealand’s critical civil construction worker shortage was exacerbated by limited connection to schools, a lack of support for work-ready training and induction and a high cost of training with a limited supply of trainers.

The report focussed on supporting new entrants to join the workforce – an issue Alan says is of prime importance for an industry employing up to 60,000 kiwis in constructing NZ’s roads, water networks, airports and other essential infrastructure.

“Civil construction is a vitally important industry, offering lucrative and rewarding work.

“But as an industry, we are currently running small-scale programmes to onboard and upskill people, with little coordination and a lack of connection with the education system.

“The report findings will enable the industry to take a lead role in addressing the challenges and opportunities in bringing new people into the industry, as well as better upskilling workers and working more closely with partners in education and government.”

The work in the report explored actions the civil construction industry was taking to do

this, and many successful programmes that had been identified through the research, and could be shared with the industry, he says.

“The Government’s work with industry through the Construction Skills Action Plan, MSD, Regional Skills Hubs, and Te Puni Kokiri funded projects have made a big difference.

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News “These are great programmes, and we need more of them to tie in with industry and prepare people for success when starting work and ready them for the jobs they are going into.”

Alan says there were some great examples in action that really needed to ramp up.

The Infrastructure Skills Centre was a key example of a Government funded industryled intake pilot programme that resulted in very good outcomes for those on the course, he said.

Many other industry-specific work readiness programmes are supported by Government for licensing, tickets, workshops and supporting people to gain the skills, including soft skills, they need to start work and have a successful and rewarding career.

The report findings The Developing a Skilled Civil Construction Workforce report found there are successful approaches in action, and great opportunities to use what has been learnt from pilots and company entry-level training programmes, with a coherent industry-wide approach.

To establish a functioning pathway for trades training, a consistent and accessible industry induction is needed to enable people to join the civil construction workforce with the skills and knowledge they need for a successful career in the civil trades.

Key recommendations include: • The civil construction industry to take the lead in addressing its workforce development issues, through an established industry forum • Supporting long-term work readiness programmes

• Retaining the learnings from short-term pilots • Supporting and embedding Civil Trades as the industry trade certification • Better connecting industry with schools • Clarifying social procurement for civil construction companies.

Key opportunities identified include: • Using technology to overcome barriers posed by site safety requirements and equipment cost • Working with the new entities established under the Reform of Vocational Education • Showcasing the aspirational career path available and inspiring people to take up the tools of the civil trades • Truly understanding social procurement and its benefits.

It was identified that to make the most of the opportunity for change, the industry and its partners would need to embrace new ways of working.

These include recognition of supervisory staff as on-job trainers, maturing the apprenticeship system for civil construction, delivery of more practical on-job skills prior to employment, funding for appropriate industry-specific training, and a readily available description of the career pathway and the skills needed.

Alan says while the report primarily focussed on the work the industry was doing to address the issues, it was also important that partners and supporters within government and education took the findings on board and were able to play their part.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 17

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Issue #135 - B&C | 19

News

The right stuff

What to look for when hiring an employee

By Megan Dunn

Hiring employees is one of the most important processes a business will undertake during their operations.

1. Positive attitude Being calm and cheerful when things go wrong.

2. Communication You can listen and say information clearly when you speak or write.

3. Teamwork You help out when it gets busy at work.

Your employees are your most valuable asset, the recipe for any thriving company that assist in creating an inclusive positive team culture.

4. Self-management You get to work on time every day.

5. Willingness to learn You want to learn new things to improve your skills.

It is absolutely crucial to have the right people standing in your corner, however often times the process is under planned and rushed leading to some damaging consequences.

6. Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making) You try and solve problems or can see where something won’t work.

Independent research carried out by Robert Half from Talent solutions found that the real cost of a hiring mistake is high for both company and existing employees.

Hiring the wrong person for the job can significantly impact an organisation. The top three consequences of a bad hire according to New Zealand employers are increased stress on colleagues (46 percent), increased workloads for existing team members (43 percent) and increased stress on managers (37 percent).

Other cited negative consequences include lost productivity (32 percent), higher recruitment costs (29 percent) and low staff morale (27 percent).

The general rule is if you get the process right, there is a much higher chance of attracting and hiring the right talent for your company.

7. Resilience You get an angry customer but you keep calm, keep working and laugh about it later.

How you attract the best applicants depends on the job, your budget, for say advertising or recruitment agencies, and how much time you have. Options include:

• Contacting potential applicants directly, making sure you don’t encourage an employee to break their legal obligations, e.g. notice period, restraint-of-trade.

• An existing employee, is there someone ready for a promotion or a new role? First advertise the role internally and find out

The labour shortage we saw in 2021 is continuing into 2022, with recruiters finding it more and more difficult to find the right talent for their roles.

• Engaging a recruitment agency – this can be costly, but will reduce the amount of time you spend on the process. Agencies can help you clarify your needs, pay levels, experience needed and market availability

However, no method is entirely full proof as realistically how well do you know the ins and outs of someone’s character and mentality from a few meetings and a couple of sheets of paper?

• Using Work and Income’s service (free), matching qualified people to jobs

The greatest hiring advice that very often gets swept under the rug and easily dismissed is to trust your gut. Your innate instincts about people hold a lot more truth than many give credit for — if you're sensing something isn’t quite right, listen to this as it’s a red flag.

• Contacting a relevant Industry Training Organisation (ITO)

Employment NZ has released some key ideas to help you attract the perfect fit for your role.

• Targeted advertising in industry journals, magazines and websites

• Developing a relationship with local education providers.eg providing work experience opportunities for students • Developing relationships with local community groups • Advertising or searching online websites, industry websites and social media

The demand for talent remains extremely high and that isn’t expected to change, Seek country manager Rob Clark told Newshub in January.

The Covid-19 pandemic has altered the job market significantly with, the low number of applications per job showing employees were more cautious about moving jobs during the pandemic.

Releasing its December data, job website Seek said job ads were up 32 percent nationally year-on-year (and compared to 2019).

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Healthy workplace cultures align employee behaviours and company policies with the overall goals of the company, while also considering the well-being of individuals.

Being totally honest and transparent about the work culture at your organisation means you are going to attract likeminded individuals who are likely to mesh and understand the operations exceedingly well.

It also means that the person you hire is more likely to stay within the company for a longer period of time.

Let them know of the common rituals and general feeling of the place for greater success for both employer and employee.

Finally, it is crucial to evaluate not only what a potential employee can offer you, but also in return, what you can offer them.

The emphasis on finding the right talent is as important as ever in these unforeseen circumstances.

In a labour shortage people have their pick and have the ability to weigh up and compare multiple organisations, so access how your role and organisation can benefit them and what it has to offer.

Careers New Zealand has released the most relevant skills employers look for amongst their applicants, these include:

Finding the right fit is crucial and will mean both the business and employee will grow successfully together.

jcb-construction.co.nz

20 | B&C - Issue #135

Work culture is ‘a collection of attitudes, beliefs and behaviours’ that make up the regular atmosphere in a work environment.

News

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Issue #135 - B&C | 21

Onsite Portable Power

Powering the future Temporary power distribution throughout a worksite is a vital part of any project and the equipment used to do this has remained the same for some time. But little attention has been given to how this portable power equipment is being used and whether there are opportunities to improve performance, safety, reliability, or user-friendliness – until now.

Auckland based company Sitemate Power Systems, recognised that the temporary power options available to worksites across the country needed to evolve. Last year they launched a new range of products that they can proudly say not only sets the benchmark for portable power solutions, but won a Silver at the 2021 New Zealand design awards.

“We knew from the outset that there was huge opportunity to improve on the currently available products, but to do it right we needed to start from scratch and make sure that the people who use this equipment every day were involved in the process – the input from NZ industry has been crucial in getting this right,” says Bruce Bailey, Sitemate’s Business Manager.

New to the range Since Sitemate’s entry into the market early last year the range has continued to grow.

The new Sitemate base provides additional elevation for the SM16 and SM17 temporary power boxes. This is especially useful in areas where ground water is present. It features a removable tray used for storing portable power tool battery chargers, keeping them safely tucked away and elevated.

The new SM2 power adaptor safely and legally allows your 15 amp power tool to be plugged into a 10 amp domestic socket.

We designed a power adaptor that enabled the tradesperson to safely connect their 15 amp power tools into a 10 amp power supply when working onsite, therefore overcoming the unsafe practice of grinding the earth pin down.

Sitemate began an in-depth product development process that drew on feedback and expertise from people in the construction, demolition, civil, events and electrical industries as well as from ports, mills and mines.

“It was important that this product range was designed and developed in New Zealand, by New Zealanders for the New Zealand market. We carefully selected the materials and specified a construction approach that changed the game, introducing advantages and features that had been asked for in this category for decades,” he says.

The result is a comprehensive, versatile and scalable temporary power solution that includes portable main distribution switchboards, temporary power boxes, portable supply outlet assemblies, fixed mounted wall boxes, LED chain lighting and a large range of accessories - all connected by industry-leading heavy-duty power leads.

22 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

“Time and time again, the feedback we have received from electricians who test and tag electrical equipment say they find 15 amp plugs with the Earth pin ‘ground back’ to enable the tool to be plugged into 10 amp sockets. Their clients are frustrated as once this has been done – the tools are no longer able to be legally tagged safe” says Bruce Bailey, Sitemate Business Manager. “So we designed a power adaptor that enabled the tradesperson to safely connect their 15 amp power tools into a 10 amp power supply when working onsite, therefore overcoming the unsafe practice of grinding the earth pin down.”

The Sitemate SM2 is designed and assembled in New Zealand and has been third party tested and certified to meet AS/NZS 3190. It includes a 10 amp RCBO for overload and earth leakage protection enclosed in an IP44 protected housing allowing for weatherproof outdoor use.

Sitemate Wall boxes are the newest addition to the range, available in three different configurations, used for permanent power distribution in tough industrial environments and areas where space is limited. The wall box range is suitable for applications such as generator power distribution, construction site boards, workshop power, refrigerated container distribution and powering coolstore trailer units.

Sitemate’s website is now a fully functioning e-commerce store where you can purchase online. As a special offer to the readers of Builders and Contractors publication spend over $100 online via the Sitemate website during the months of May/June 2022 enter the promo code BUILD135 and go into the draw to Win a Weber Family Q BBQ and Sitemate 40L Icebox .

To find out more about Sitemate’s product range visit www.sitematepower.co.nz

Onsite Portable Power

SAFE, STRONG, RELIABLE, TEMPORARY PORTABLE POWER Sitemate Power Systems provides temporary portable power distribution solutions for construction, heavy industry and events.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 23

Timber Design Centre

Championing the use of timber in construction The Centre is new and was established in early 2022 and will undertake further development throughout the year.

The Timber Design Centre is a collective of experts from across the value chain who are committed to leveraging established relationships with wood processors, design professionals, builders and others.

A key element of this will be work carried out with stakeholders to develop a longer-term strategy for the Centre.

Recently appointed director for the Timber Design Centre is Dr Robert Finch, a great expert in the industry, well-known and highly regarded as the Director of the University of Canterbury Quake Centre since its establishment in 2010.

There is an acknowledgement that we are living in a climate crisis and timber can be a part of the solution to that.

Key drivers for the Timber Design Centre include: • Participants in the timber construction value chain have stated that they would value support around the knowledge, skills and confidence to design and build with timber, particularly newer engineered timber technologies

By working collaboratively, facilitating connections and channeling expertise from across the sector, the Timber Design Centre wants to champion the use of timber in construction and support the transition to a lower-emissions sector.

It’s a non-partisan, non-commercial entity providing expert advice, research, information and education.

People in the industry have been advocating the need for such an entity, to expediate the uptake of timber in the construction industry.

The four establishment organisations who have set up the Centre are: • Wood Processers and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) • New Zealand Timber Design Society (TDS) • BRANZ • Scion.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is providing support for the Centre through the Sector Investment Directorate of Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service.

The Centre is supported by an independent Technical Advisory Group and led by its own Governance Group.

“Over recent years, the interest in engineered timber construction has increased significantly and we now need to ensure that clients, designers, contractors and authorities have all the information they need to build efficiently in timber.

Timber Design Society president, Dr Daniel Moroder, says the time is right for New Zealand to have a dedicated timber knowledge centre which provides advice and guidance on timber construction.

“The Centre aims to bring the timber industry together and to provide answers to all current obstacles we encounter during the design and consenting process of timber buildings.”

• Help is also being sought to navigate regulatory requirements and raise awareness of the benefits of wood construction • There is an opportunity to highlight new approaches and to challenge known solutions (e.g. steel and concrete construction) that remain dominant (outside single-unit residential buildings).

The establishment of a Timber Design Centre provides an opportunity to bring together people passionate about timber construction and its benefits. It can help support a cohesive and proactive approach to growing the use of timber in construction.

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Timber Design Centre

Key short to medium term outcomes that the Centre will provide are: • To foster connections across the sector and dissemination of expertise about timber design and construction to grow knowledge, techniques and skills in New Zealand, particularly in engineered timber in medium to high rise buildings • To accelerate the use of timber in building and construction in New Zealand by addressing barriers to its use, for example, lack of design guides, outdated standards, low knowledge, and technology misconceptions • To provide a forum for anyone in New Zealand, particularly students, developers, designers, council planners and consenters, architects, engineers, builders, building owners, and researchers in the building and construction sector, to discuss and learn about all aspects of designing and building in timber.

Research and Development

In the longer term, the Timber Design Centre will result in a shift to a culture of using timber in all buildings, particularly in mid-to-high rise buildings.

Understand the barriers to designing in timber and how they can be removed; identify technical issues and hurdles; develop new solutions.

This shift will provide long-term demand for wood products, which will support greater investment in domestic wood processing and diversification of New Zealand’s forest exports.

Research will be undertaken to solve technical issues and help remove barriers to the use of timber in construction.

The Timber Design Centre will be timber industry-neutral and operate on a noncommercial and non-profit basis. It will provide a dynamic, innovative and inspiring source of the latest expert advice and information, to enable and encourage: • Building owners and property developers to commission wooden buildings • Design professionals to specify timber in building designs • Builders and contractors to build highquality wooden buildings • The public community to understand the benefits of building in wood.

Core services likely to be offered by the Centre could include: Timber Design Guidance Capture the latest innovation and expertise and share with design professionals.

Design guidelines to be shared via a one stop shop web-based portal.

Information Development and Dissemination Develop and house information, guidelines, and research.

Workshops, Seminars, Webinars and Field-trips The Centre will proactively share information across the whole building value chain. It will target the way it communicates by listening to what people need.

Key audiences will include students, design professionals, builders, building consent officers, property owners and developers.

It is envisaged that the Centre will engage directly through face-to-face activities like workshops, seminars and field trips.

Timber Design Centre Private Bag 3020 Rotorua 3046 enquiries@timberdesigncentre.co.nz www.timberdesigncentre.co.nz

Using a web-based portal the Centre will provide a one-stop shop bringing together key information on Timber Design.

Technical Advice The Centre will provide technical advice.

As well as acting as a hub for key technical information, the Centre will be looking to provide technical expertise that the industry can contact directly.

Promotion of Timber in Construction The Centre will provide independent, impartial, expert information about the advantages and benefits that can come from using timber in construction.

Helping New Zealand’s construction industry become more sustainable

Advice and Assistance The Centre aims to provide advice and assistance and will help join the dots across the industry. As well as providing technical information, the Centre will help signpost to other sources of information, experience and expertise.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 25

Timber Design Centre

Shadowclad Installation Tools Shadowclad® plywood panels provide a beautiful, natural wood exterior cladding that is well suited to most architectural styles. It adds street appeal to any project, whether used alone or accented with other building materials as an exterior wall cladding.

Manufactured from sustainably-grown New Zealand plantation pine, Shadowclad can be used as a strong, and lightweight exterior cladding that has been trusted in New Zealand construction for over 25 years.

The checklist can be managed through an easy to use project management interface; allowing you to create new projects, refer to them later and share with building consent authorities.

To support the detailed Specification and Installation Guides for Shadowclad, CHH Ply have developed installation tools to aid builders with installing in accordance with construction details. These tools assist in the provision of correct expansion gaps, fastening patterns, application of fastener durability, etc. whilst providing all the information in one handy location accessible across both Apple and Android devices.

One of the key features of the Shadowclad sITe App is the existence of all Shadowclad installation details in one handy easy to use application. Details are available for Direct Fix and Cavity Wall construction grouped by detail number or specific application.

3D Animations are also included to demonstrate the use of the Shadowclad Stick installation tool.

Shadowclad sITe App The Shadowclad® sITe app is provided to installers and building consent authorities to provide access to all installation details, animations and extracts from the Shadowclad Specification and Installation Guides. The App provides all the handy information of our Installation guide and more packed into your pocket without the requirement to carry hardcopy literature.

The App was designed and developed in house by our Technical Team and released in 2018. Since its release, the App has been steadily growing in popularity with more than 1,000 downloads.

For those not familiar with the Shadowclad sITe app, it boasts many features and benefits for installers and building consent authorities alike. The App offers a context-sensitive, interactive installation checklist taking in to account certain site conditions (including Exposure Zone, profile and treatment). These project-specific selections endeavour to ensure that the appropriate level of durability is applied to fasteners and flashings.

26 | B&C - Issue #135

The App also provides advice on storage and handling requirements, health and safety information, and other key installation requirements. Included in the App are all of our up-to-date installation guides, technical notes and BRANZ appraisals.

Shadowclad Stick

The Shadowclad® sITe app is provided to installers and building consent authorities to provide access to all installation details, animations and extracts from the Shadowclad Specification and Installation Guides.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

The Shadowclad Stick is an installation tool developed to aid builders in the correct installation of Shadowclad products. The Shadowclad Stick removes the need for builders to develop their own ‘jigs’ to assists in ensuring that critical dimensions and clearances are applied during the installation of Shadowclad sheets and flashings.

The Shadowclad Stick specifically deals with: • Expansion gaps, catering for both Shadowclad Groove and Texture as well as horizontal and vertical joints • Nail spacings, including half rounds for nail locations, catering for 150mm and 300mm spacings, 75mm end distance from the bottom of the sheet and 20mm end distance from the top of the sheet.

These details and a handy easy to follow guide and installation animations are all included in the Shadowclad sITe App with tips including “Treat all edges with Metalex” and “Place uncut edges to the bottom”.

The Shadowclad sITe App can be downloaded for free from the App Store for IOS and on Google Play. * Mac and App Store are trademarks owned

by Apple Inc. Windows is a trademark owned

by Microsoft. Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC. The Shadowclad Stick is available by contacting CHH Ply on 0800 326 759

Timber Design Centre

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 27

Timber Design Centre

Plant and Food Research: Seafood Research Centre – Nelson, NZ

Over 10 years of mass timber XLam leads the New Zealand market in the manufacture and supply of Cross Laminated Timber Panels (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) for Mass Timber and Conventional Construction projects.

EMAIL

28 | B&C - Issue #135

enquiries@xlam.co.nz

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xlam.co.nz

Prowood

Twenty years’ experience in laminated timber Engineered structural and innovative solutions brought to you by 20 years of experience in laminated timber.

“The CodeMark certification provides the combination of code compliance certainty of both the product and installation, and quality of manufacture.”

Back in 2002, John Woodman (managing director of Prowood), started manufacturing H5 laminated posts in response to builders requesting an H5 post that could go inground that wouldn’t twist and warp.

The PLX20 beam is an innovative beam the company started manufacturing last year.

By 2006, the company expanded to start manufacturing a range of PL8 glulam beams.

Between 2007 and 2012, PL12, PL17 (which has since been discontinued) and LVL 15 were added to the range of products the company offered.

Prowood continued to grow, expanding the premises, the machinery they worked with, and their staff. Most recently, they opened their own mill in 2021.

Sales manager, Reuben Woodman, says Prowood is the only supplier of H5 laminated posts that meet the building code.

“It makes it a no brainer for people like architects and engineers to specify these posts,” he says.

The innovative PLX20 structural laminated beam is available in a range of lengths including 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.8m, 5.4m and 6.0m.

It’s lightweight, quicker to install, spans further with a smaller member and easier to specify with the Prolam Specifier.

These days, Prowood deals in two structural grades of post - PL12 and PL8. Their beam range includes PL8, PL12 and PLX20.

Steel has been incorporated into a timber beam to give it added strength and greater spanning capabilities.

“There’s not really anything else like it in New Zealand,” Reuben says.

Reuben says, Covid has given them a chance to further develop their beams and other products.

“When Covid hit, shipping around the world went crazy,” he explains.

“There was a lack of high structural grade timber in New Zealand and people were really struggling to import it. This meant other suppliers couldn’t get a hold of it, so we stepped in.”

Prowood also offers Prolam Crib Wall which is a unique retaining wall system.

It offers distinct advantages like an internationally certified design life of 125 years and a standard industry warranty of 50 years against decay and termites.

Its also significantly cheaper than other retaining wall types. Manufactured from 100% sustainable New Zealand radiata pine, it’s good for the environment too.

Prowood often works both the commercial and residential market, supplying products through merchants such as ITM, Carters, Bunnings, Mitre 10 and PlaceMakers.

They’ve worked on many large projects including, but not limited to, Nelson’s Tahunanui toilet block, the Crown Beer Garden in Frankton, Queenstown, Christchurch’s Tree Houses art piece and The Lakes Early Childhood Education Centre in Bay of Plenty.

Architects can use this standalone website to quickly work out what beams are required for their build. Reuben says it’s a tool that saves people time and money.

The company has also developed an online tool called Prolam Specifier.

The tool is both innovative and intuitive.

It automatically makes allowances for the weight of wall framing and treatments.

“Architects can use the specifier rather than go to an engineer and wait weeks for a simple post or beam specification.”

The tool specifies all three Prolam structural grades, being PL8, PL12 and PLX20. Reuben says anyone can register for the online tool and do their own designs.

Proudly supporting Prolam/Prowood

The specifier also provides a PS1 certificate for council compliance.

This year Prowood will celebrate 20 years of business.

Reuben says the company is continuing to work and expand both their products and their online presence.

For example, they recently launched a new company video, available on their website.

They’re also launching a new, fresh website very soon.

You can visit the current website for more info, product details and testimonials at: www.prolamnz.com.

Prowood Ltd 283 Waiwhero Road Motueka (03) 526 7436 info@prowoodnz.com www.prolamnz.com

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Issue #135 - B&C | 29 28/03/22 2:53 PM

Steel Construction

Steel still going strong: HERA Seismic Research Severe earthquakes in the USA and Japan that occurred in the mid-1990s proved that steel frame buildings performed extremely well.

However, there were cases where connections developed some cracks. As a result, comprehensive research was carried out to improve the seismic design provisions for connections globally.

Here in New Zealand, the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) embarked on a six-year research programme in the late 1990s with the aim to ensure connections behave consistently under earthquake loads.

HERA’s research engineer, Hafez Taheri says that the programme considered both the economic and technical aspects for achieving more cost-effective connections in fabrication, while still having dependable performance during earthquakes.

The research outcomes were beneficial in the preparation and revising of steel design and weld standards and guidelines such as HERA Steel Connection Guide, NZS 3404, AS/ NZS 1554.1.

It led to having more robust seismic design procedures to prevent noticeable damage to buildings due to earthquakes.

HERA’s Seismic Research Programme Steel structures performed exceptionally well in the Christchurch earthquake in 2011, and only some minor damage was reported mainly due to overlooked shortcomings in detailing and execution.

However, HERA initiated a new research programme in 2016 to innovate in the field of seismic research exploring ways of improving productivity in steel construction.

It involves understanding the manufacturingrelated bottlenecks and applying the advanced FEA-based design procedures to resolve them by simplifying connection and seismic weld details.

Hafez says that while technical performance remains a key steel construction research focus, recent efforts include an increased emphasis on cost-effective delivery of technical solutions to increase competitiveness, if compared to alternative solutions.

“In the first step, the research programme evaluated the effects of using different materials such as structural stainless steel in welded moment connections and the suitability of using a type of weld called “effective full penetration of T-butt welds” in the fabrication of welded connections.”

The outcomes appeared in more than ten publications and HERA Report R8-043.

On-going projects and achievements HERA’s Seismic Research Programme was extended in 2019, and different research projects have been defined with cooperation between HERA, the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury, Auckland University of Technology, the University of Waikato, the University of Michigan, USA, and other international partners.

“The research is performed in collaboration with the experts from the New Zealand universities,” says Hafez.

“And we are proud to be internationallylinked in this research with leading fracture mechanics experts Professor Pingsha Dong in the USA and Professor Adolf Hobbacher who is based in Germany.”

The current research focuses on optimising weld sizes and details for steel moment-

resisting frames (MRF) and eccentrically braced frames (EBF) connections.

A series of cruciform joints and replaceable active links made by partial penetration and fillet welds were tested at the University of Auckland.

The optimum weld sizes in the samples were achieved by employing new weld design criteria and FE analysis.

The results confirm the possibility of substituting full penetration welds, with partial penetration welds leading to more cost-effective joints in fabrication.

Hafez says that these optimised seismic weld details allow for having more economical fillet welds and facilitate more efficient use of automated and robotic technologies in fabrication.

New Zealand needs seismic research New Zealand is one of the most earthquakeprone countries globally, and HERA’s Seismic Research Programme is one important step toward achieving earthquake-safe construction here.

Steel, with its inherent strength, ductility, weight and environmental credentials, is the material of choice especially when it comes to high rise and long-span construction such as in steel-frame buildings and bridges.

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The Christchurch earthquake confirmed that steel is the ultimate low-damage solution for modern multi storey buildings and structures.

The general manager of HERA’s Fab 4.0/ NZWC division, Michail Karpenko, says that HERA’s seismic research programme has been initiated to address the challenges around smart design.

This is also known as design 4.0, Safety and Resilience of Steel Structures and Productivity Aspects in Steel Construction.

“It is a result of long-standing cooperation between HERA and national and international research partners who developed a computational method to analyse the behaviour of welds under complex loading conditions.”

He says that the novelty of the programme is in the further development of these methods to address seismic applications.

“Our approach is that no research output is useful unless it is implemented. Our goal is to integrate the research outcomes into the framework of standards and HERA guidelines for the industry.

“This will be supported by the robust industry training programme for design engineers and fabricators.”

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Steel Construction

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Issue #135 - B&C | 31

Steel Construction

The seismic research contributors Charles Clifton, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Auckland.

In the early 1980s there was almost no structural steel used in multi-storey buildings in New Zealand.

No composite steel flooring job is too

Big

One of the reasons given for this, by the engineering profession, was that it did not perform well in severe earthquakes.

Dave Anderson, Technical Director, John Jones Steel Company. His company fabricated the active links that were part of the test at the University of Auckland.

They said it was not as reliable as the newlydeveloped, reinforced concrete frame seismic solutions of the time.

He says the HERA seismic research programme is a game changer for the industry.

Proving this wrong is one of the principal drivers behind HERA’s Steel Seismic Research Programme, which began in earnest in 1984 and continues to this day.

“HERA Seismic Research Programme has been underway since 2016 and is showing very positive results for the industry.

“New Zealand was one of the first countries to pioneer the ductile design approach to buildings, first for the design of reinforced concrete structures.

“Over 90 percent of New Zealand buildings are not more than three storeys high and around nine percent of the remaining buildings are not more than 10 storeys high.

“For these buildings, the earthquake loads can be more than 10 times the wind loads, even though a severe earthquake, statistically, has a less than 10 percent chance of occurring during the design life of the building.

“The focus of HERA’s seismic research programme for welded connections, since 2016, has been on the development of cost-effective welds and welded connections for the various forms of seismic resisting systems.

Or too small.

“This work is ongoing and involving important developments such as: development of a Reinforced Partial Penetration Butt weld which delivers the same performance as a Complete Penetration Butt weld at 40 percent of the cost; testing weld details for new forms of construction, such as Bolted Replaceable EBF Active Links; quantifying the extent of conservatism in fillet weld and incomplete penetration butt weld design procedures in the Steel Structures Standard.”

Wayne Carson, Managing director, D&H Steel Construction.

His company fabricated the samples that were part of the test at the University of Auckland. They provide materials and advice to the research team.

“We continue to support research and development of structural steel as it is vital to remain cutting edge in an increasingly competitive market.

for a quote today!

“Innovative design is always improving and requires momentum to keep steel as the preferred resilient material, now and into the future.”

“Ongoing improvements in efficiency of design, fabrication, erection and, ultimately, structural performance help steel remain the preferred material of choice for many.

“D&H and Graysons provided welded samples for destructive testing that analysed actual weld metal strengths, based on many weld sizes and configurations.

“The outcomes of these tests have practical benefits for industry because of their accuracy. The information is based on real test data rather than assumed strengths from calculations alone.

“Recently JJS provided active link samples to test combinations of simple fillet and partial penetration welds in the most seismic critical joints we have in the industry.

“The results have been exceptional, with all links taken to the point of destruction with nil weld failures.

“HERA has undertaken ground-breaking research in this area. Whilst these joints are common worldwide in seismic regions, there has been no other testing done internationally.

“Refined and reduced weld sizing that will result in: less heat distortion that we constantly struggle with; less weld shrinkage that will result in better more accurate structures; less weld metal and energy being consumed; this is important as we strive to refine the industry to reduce carbon emissions.

“It will also minimise the risk of weld failures and disruption to the fabrication sequencing.

“The industry will be more productive.

Internationally New Zealand is rated poorly in production, as a result of the complex seismic environment that we work in.

“In the structural steel industry, the major influence is labour in the form of fabrication and welding, consumables and energy expended on connections.

“Simple, easy, effective and reliable welds will be a game changer.”

For more information on HERA’s Seismic Research Programme contact HERA Research Engineer Hafez Taheri hafez.taheri@hera.org.nz

“In research, it is vital to have input from all stakeholders to get the greatest value from outcomes.

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Visit our website to get our Tray-dec floor design software 32 | B&C - Issue #135

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“HERA and the supporting research teams have always been good at identifying industry issues or opportunities. They seek industry input to deliver high quality, relevant and tangible improvements and advances in steel design delivery and/or performance.

“The direct gain is the reward and satisfaction of being an early adopter of the latest technology and increased productivity. This is part of continuing small steps that all help.

Heavy Engineering Research Association PO Box 76-134 Manukau Auckland (09) 262 2885 www.hera.org.nz

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Issue #135 - B&C | 33

Global Engineering

The structural steel specialists When clients engage Global logistical installation challenges keeps us on our toes and at the top of our game.

Engineering (GE) for their “We’re not afraid to tackle unusual and structural steel projects, difficult tasks using our skill and experience metalwork and other custom and we comply with relevant health and solutions, they know they’re safety and WorkSafe regulations,” Mark says. getting the experience, Showcasing their attitude and resources skills through required to complete significant projects the job to the relevant specifications.

Since 1995, Global Engineering has been providing comprehensive steel fabrication solutions to the steel industry of New Zealand.

Today the company operates from a purposebuilt factory in Kumeu, where its renowned attention to detail is further heightened through retained control over in-house process and quality.

Herein lies one of GE’s greatest strengths: its ability to facilitate medium-sized complex jobs.

Its detailers, fabrication team and rigging crews are a dedicated and highly specialised team, who take pride in what they do.

Being logistically agile and able to implement their individual skills on various projects promotes efficiency and effectiveness.

Couple this with a custom-built factory and a full complement of modern equipment and machinery (including cranes, lifts, trucks and a mobile welding plant), they have the capacity to work on major structural projects, but the flexibility to be able to help with the smaller, fast-track jobs.

“We’ve earnt a great reputation in our industry as being problem solvers,” says Global Engineering project manager, Mark Duxfield.

“Finding solutions to work around tricky sites, refurbishments, complex builds and

Global Engineering’s expertise has been sought for many significant projects throughout Auckland, including the Massey University Sir Neil Waters Building – Albany, Tuatahi Apartments – Mt Albert, Bidfood Cold Storage - Hobsonville, the NZ Blood project – Epsom, and many more.

Global Engineering was involved with the renovation of the New Zealand Blood Service centre in Epsom, where an atrium was installed into the existing building.

The architectural steelwork itself has been made to the highest of standards and is intended to be admired from the ground up.

Understandably a lot of thought has gone into the design and construction methods.

The complex nature of the installation, in that it had to be tensioned up and self-supporting on its existing structure, presented its fair share of challenges. But Global Engineering successfully navigated them using acquired knowledge and expertise.

Other challenges have included the building remaining in use throughout the project as a key blood donor centre, meaning necessary nighttime and weekend shifts, and being sensitive to the needs of the users of the building when onsite.

In an excellent example of GE’s ability to work co-operatively, acting as a subcontractor to head contractor Q Interiors, GE had to coordinate with and work alongside Q Interiors’

Christchurch-based engineers to successfully implement many of the learnings brought about by the earthquakes.

“There is great satisfaction in knowing that all the stakeholders are well invested, not just on opposite ends of an email, but through face-to-face value and a genuinely collaborative approach,” Mark says

Looking towards the future The industry as a whole is working towards the compliance of the SFC accreditation scheme.

The SFC scheme gives procurers peace of mind by ensuring that certified fabricators have the appropriate quality management systems in place to consistently produce compliant fabricated products of the required standard.

“It is putting protectionism within the systems to try and make sure that NZ fabricators, installers and engineers are working to ASNZ standards, to meet industry demands and expectations of buildings.

“We don’t want to see buildings collapse like we did in the Christchurch earthquakes – we think of premature building collapse to be a thing of the Third World and we don’t want that to happen again here.

“The industry is trying to achieve much higher standards and is doing that quite well, and it’s pushing everyone’s capabilities and responsibilities up, which can only be a good thing,” Mark says.

He believes it is promising that we have international construction companies trying to buy into our industry and is confident in New Zealand’s attitude for responding to international pressures, which will help to solidify the industry in a strong position for the future.

With over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, the team at Global Engineering recognise the need for efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.

34 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

We’re not afraid to tackle unusual and difficult tasks using our skill and experience and we comply with relevant health and safety and WorkSafe regulations.

The industry is trying to achieve much higher standards and is doing that quite well, and it’s pushing everyone’s capabilities and responsibilities up, which can only be a good thing.

- Global Engineering project manager, Mark Duxfield

Global Engineering 25 Wookey Lane Kumeu Auckland (09) 836 6008 info@globaleng.co.nz www.globaleng.co.nz

General services include: • Turning • CNC milling and drilling

They take a caring approach to everything that they do, with attention to detail at the forefront of every project and being a family-owned business, they understand the importance of brand and reputation, with their main aim to help clients enhance their reputation.

• Fitting

“Our real strength is in our team!

The high level of dedication, skill and care from our people is truly amazing,” Global Engineering managing director Andrew Jackson.

• Materials handling solutions

• Transport and earthmoving • Designing and prototyping • Specialised welding • Factory alterations • Repairs and maintenance • Product manufacturing.

Global Engineering

Global Engineering Ltd is a privately owned and operated steel fabrication company with high profile builds covering Auckland and beyond.

We have been growing our business for over 25 years.

STRUCTURAL STEEL • Warehouses • Domestic Homes • Commercial Buildings • Warehouses • Domestic Homes • Commercial Buildings

METAL WORKS • Platforms & Walkways • Stairs, Handrails & Balustrades • Facades & Canopies • Architectural Finishes • Design in 3D and Solidworks • R&D Projects

Phone 09 836 6008 Email: info@globaleng.co.nz www.globaleng.co.nz

Come & join our “award winning” team in Kumeu. Structural Steel and Metalworks jobs available. ✓ Looking to be well rewarded for your hard work? ✓ Do you have the skills to grow with our business? ✓ Can you help us shape the future of our inductry?

• Project Managers.

• Detailers.

• Production Manager • Heavy Structural Steel Fabricators & Welders.

• Metalworkers • Steel Erectors.

• Labourers with gantry crane and loading experience.

• CNC Drill/Saw Operator.

• Crane Operators & Truck Drivers (Class 5).

Send your CV to: Email: jobs@globaleng.co.nz

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Issue #135 - B&C | 35

Reinforcing Steel Standards

The man the metal and the ‘mendment

Bruce Roberts: Fletcher’s man of steel

Amendments to the reinforcing standard are largely in the realm of paperwork, with some tweaks to the reporting of testing during manufacturing.

Unlike Superman, Fletcher Steel’s man of steel does not leap buildings in a single bound or wear his undies outside his trousers.

This data is predominantly used by engineers and designers.

At the end of last year the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued an updated version of the Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods for New Zealand Building Code Clause B1-Structure (Amendment 20).

Fletcher Steel metallurgist and member of the Australia/New Zealand Reinforcing Steel Standards technical committee, Bruce Roberts says that the performance requirements of the reinforcing aren’t changing.

“Everything affecting reinforcing performance remains unaltered, steel chemistry, tensile property limits and bar geometry are unchanged.”

Bruce says that there is one exception and that is to R300E reinforcing.

This is generally used as confinement reinforcing where a slight reduction in minimum ductility is not critical, but will make the reinforcing slightly easier to process from coil.

The minimum elongation for R300E reinforcing (plain grade 300E) is reduced from 15 percent to 12 percent.

“Except for the slight elongation reduction to R300E. The reinforcing steel in New Zealand remains the same reliable performer it has always been”.

The amendment references the new 2019 edition of AS/NZS 4671. There is a transition period of one year where both editions (2001 and 2019) are acceptable, but from November 2022 only the 2019 edition should be used.

Replacing test reports that give batch test results, the new reports conforming to the 2019 Standard will include historical test statistics to show that the reinforcing from that manufacturer, distributor or processor consistently meet the tensile and elongation requirements.

The intention is to provide confidence that all the reinforcing bar supplied between the regular batch tests can be relied upon to meet the Standard requirements.

That would not be the best health and safety practice.

Bruce Roberts is a New Zealand authority on reinforcing steel standards. He explains everything you didn’t know you wanted to know about reinforcing steel standards and the discipline of metallurgy.

What is metallurgy?

Broadly it’s the technology/science of the behaviour of metals and their processing.

In Australia it is also strongly identified with extraction and mining.

Why study metallurgy and any memorable moments from those days?

It just interested me, with some good lecturers, and fortunately it still interests me.

I studied Chemical and Materials Engineering at Auckland University for three years after a year of science at Waikato University.

There are many memorable things that spring to mind, but nothing directly to do with my studies!

What positions have you held?

I’ve worked almost exclusively in metallurgical based roles in aluminium at one time, but mostly in the steel industry in New Zealand and Australia.

In your role at Fletcher Steel, what are your main duties?

I really have two functions here. I run a small mechanical test laboratory where we test our manufactured reinforcing mesh and coil products and a range of steel plates, sections and products that are distributed and processed by Fletcher Steel.

The other part of my role is providing technical support to the Fletcher Steel businesses and reviewing the product quality from our steel suppliers.

How “big” is metallurgy in New Zealand as a career?

Not big, but it has increased.

New Zealand doesn’t have a lot of heavy industry to drive much of a need for metallurgists, but there is an increased acceptance of the value that can be added by having that specific knowledge in processing, testing and distributing businesses.

It often results in metallurgy being one part of a role, which may be a good thing to have a bit more variety.

What does the reinforcing steel standards committee do?

AS/NZS 4671 is a joint Australian/New Zealand Standard that is administered by Standards Australia (SA). They have a process to regularly review industry standards and revise them when necessary.

In the case of the reinforcing steel standard, Australian industry groups wanted to include higher tensile grades of

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reinforcing steel for use in Australia, so a revision was authorised.

Australasian Standards are reviewed by technical committees made up of experienced individuals recommended by nominating organisations.

SA and Standards New Zealand aim to have a balance of views represented on the committee and will often approach under-represented industry groups about providing a representative.

How is the reinforcing steel standard committee made up?

The committee that reviewed the standard has about twenty members, five of which represent New Zealand organisations.

The wider committee members represent: manufacturing, processing, importing and consumption, as well as engineering, university and Standards development organisations.

What changes have taken place in the reinforcing steel sphere in the last 10-20 years?

Not major in New Zealand. There have been improvements in efficiencies, particularly the wide adoption of processing coils in place of straight bar to reduce waste.

There is an increasing focus on ensuring the conformance of reinforcing on site by having documented processes and evidence of conformity.

I also like to think there has been a wider understanding of the importance of reinforcing steel in construction across the market. From manufacturing, design and distribution through to the end user and even consumers.

For more information about reinforcing steel standards contact Bruce Roberts: Bruce.

Roberts@fletchersteel.co.nz.

More on the standard can be read here: www.building.govt.nz/building-codecompliance/b-stability/b1-structure/b1acceptable-solutions-andverification-methods.

Reinforcing Steel Standards

STRUCTURED FOR STRENGTH For all your concrete foundations and structures, large or small choose Fletcher Reinforcing to make the experience a success, the first time, every time. We only supply the highest quality, New Zealand made steel, from Pacific Steel, so you can be rest assured of the inner strength for your next commercial, industrial, infrastructural or residential project.

Fletcher Reinforcing; at the heart of New Zealand’s building environment.

Visit fletcherreinforcing.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 37

Reinforcing Steel Standards

Innovation helps to de-risk steel reinforcing installs for large projects Partnerships and digital modelling in the design phase pre-empts issues and brings greater coordination and innovation to reinforcing design on complex infrastructure projects and multistorey builds. Steel & Tube’s National Infrastructure Business Development Manager Peter Reiber discusses how a more agile procurement model reduces risk and improves time frames in the placement of steel reinforcing.

Steel reinforcing has a massive impact on the critical early stages of a construction programme. The traditional ‘supply and install’ procurement model – based on the complete documentation package sent out to competitive tender – means product, installer and main contractor teams have little to no input to developed design. A move to a more agile process and partnership model enables teams to de-risk and innovate in steel design, fabrication and placement.

A partnership model includes decoupling the steel supply and steel installation labour. This creates untapped wins for the main contractor, and with the steel-fixing team under their direct control, the main contractor will benefit from lower costs, tighter communication, higher productivity and greater efficiency on site. Separating reinforcing supply and installation was common in New Zealand in the 1990s and is the preferred steel procurement model used in Australia today.

The benefits of decoupling reinforcement steel supply and installation When it comes to the building structure – and many parts of the building envelope and fit-out – the main contractor has direct control of labour and skills. There is no middleperson, and timing, sequencing, quality and margins are all within the remit of the main contractor.

The supply and installation of reinforcing should work in the same way. When a main contractor partners with a trusted steelfixing installer and product supplier who are working in collaborative partnership, the three parties coordinate early to deliver greater value to the project and the client. New solutions and methodologies can be brought to the table through collaboration between the installers, detailers and construction company.

Materials can be pre-ordered to manage supply chain issues and labour can be programmed ahead.

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Early digital modelling de-risks a project Early involvement of the reinforcing detailer and digital modelling have brought clear cost and time advantages to some of Steel & Tube’s recent projects.

As reinforcing specialists, we can add real value by modelling the steel during developed design. This process allows the whole team to pre-empt issues such as clash detection, and improve coordination, buildability and sequencing.

When preferred suppliers are onboarded early, we’re seeing the advantages of doing the digital modelling and detailing for reinforcing during the developed design stage.

We can de-risk projects by solving methodology and fabrication questions early, so by the time we get to site, the digital model has already been reviewed, improved and approved by the whole team – the builder, detailers, installers and consultants.

Everything is coordinated and we’ve either designed risk out of this critical trade or minimised risk in a way that can’t be done using the traditional procurement process of letting tenders after the design has been developed.

Steel & Tube has been working closely with Jimmy Corric and his team at NZ Strong Construction, partnering in the modelling and detailing as early as 25–50% into the developed design phase.

Adjusting to market conditions The partnership model is driven in part by the changing market, where access to installation labour has become more challenging and costly. Partnering gives contracting companies the opportunity to be more selective when choosing their steel fixers, and to manage costs more effectively, without absorbing margins from the reinforcing supplier.

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Subcontracting of labour not only reduces costs but also removes a layer of management – when installers report directly to the main contractor, both the steel fixer and the contractor benefit.

Workflow, collaboration and sequencing are all improved, resulting in fewer delays and less down time. Management of on-site trades is what main contractors do best.

Focusing on innovation Steel & Tube is focused on solutions that deliver ease of fabrication and efficient installation.

Our Modelling & Detailing team has invested heavily in Tekla 3D, a digital design and workflow software which enables us to model all the reinforcing with far greater sophistication than traditional 2D apps.

The software also allows us to integrate the modelling into our manufacturing system, thus improving the accuracy of detailing. And finally, Tekla allows us to share 3D models of reinforcing design with construction companies and structural engineers to confirm the installation meets the brief.

The Tekla software has transformed the way we undertake our detailing and construction activities and allows us to tackle any type of project, from a small private residential job to a multistorey building or a highway bridge. The 3D model is accurate and coordinated, giving design teams confidence in their solution and a greater opportunity to collaborate on innovation.

Tekla integrates seamlessly with other BIM software, so the details of the work are there for review and as-builts for a building’s maintenance records.

These capabilities allow Steel & Tube to bring their greatest value – better products, faster delivery – to the partnership model, while giving steel fixers and head contractors the opportunity to make installation more efficient and economic on site.

ECI and digital modelling

By Jimmy Corric, Preconstruction and Innovation Manager, NZ Strong Construction With the foundation and structural steel sequencing so critical to the early stages of a project, reinforcing is one of the best components to model early. The current supply chain for concrete is challenging – if you miss a pour, you could lose weeks on a programme. It is a false economy to think you are going to get better pricing going to market, when early detailer involvement and digital modelling bring clarity and confidence months before starting on site. The big win is avoiding delays and unforeseen design and buildability issues from the very start.

We engage with Steel & Tube on a proof-ofconcept digital model at 25–50% into the developed design. We’re finding this early involvement doesn’t change the amount of reinforcing; it simply raises any issues earlier and we can rework them digitally.

We’re seeing cost efficiencies through innovation, efficient design and good building, and fewer or no variations on site.

This process requires three teams working together – the main contractor, the reinforcing supplier, and the client and their consultants. It requires a ‘mature’ client who allows us to engage earlier with the preferred subcontractors. The traditional model of going out for tender at the end of design is just too slow. We pour concrete at the start, so we need to do this modelling work early to pre-empt any design issues and add innovation to the front end of the process.

The thing to understand is that it is not so much what the digital model is, it is what the model does. The modelling process creates a paradigm shift in the way we think, as it initiates early and close collaboration and innovation between teams.

Reinforcing Steel Standards

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Issue #135 - B&C | 39

Reinforcing Steel Standards

So, you think you are getting the Steel you specify? (and how you can be sure you do) New Zealand used to be an easy place to buy steels to build with. Standards were enforced by engineers, local councils, and government departments, and domestic New Zealand or Australian steel producers manufactured world-class product that supplied virtually the entire market. All any specifier had to do was state in their documentation “to New Zealand Standards” and all any builder had to ask his suppliers was “how much?” Site engineers and checking authorities did the rest. It was really that simple and by and large, it worked – but no longer.

A Global Market Today, New Zealand is part of a highly competitive world market for steel.

Materials can and do come from a variety of sources around the globe: Asia, Africa, Europe, dictated by price and availability.

This flexibility gives consumers the best price for their products, but it can trip up the unwary when it comes to getting the right “quality”. If we define “quality” as “performance characteristics” (surely our governing concern), then “quality” varies wildly between markets. So, just how does anyone know what they are getting when they place their order?

With material coming from diverse sources and manufactured to many different specifications, specifying “to NZS Standards” does not guarantee that what is supplied will perform as intended by the design, unless certain checks are made.

Regular site checking of materials is very much a thing of the past. Reliance is almost exclusively on the documentation that arrives with the material supplied.

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What is “Adequate Documentation”?

Documentation is therefore of critical concern. What, in fact constitutes “adequate documentation”? Whilst this differs by Standard there are basically four different means of satisfying this aspect (and one, or more may be required): 1. Suppliers’ Quality Management System (e.g. ISO 9001 certification); 2. Statistical sampling (e.g. long-term quality testing results) 3. Product Certification (e.g. independent 3rd-party audit by an accredited certification body competent in the products assessed) and; 4. “Other such means proposed by the manufacturer or supplier and acceptable to the customer” The intent is the consistent delivery of specified materials demonstrably conforming to the Standard, fit for the intended purpose and adequality managing contract risk.

So, how does a designer, specifier, or builder know that all the steel delivered to their project meets the minimum requirements?

Unfortunately, the simple answer is that it is not easy and all branches of the construction industry have greater responsibilities in this regard than in “the good old days”.

A supplier’s Quality Management system, such as ISO 9001 is a quality system that helps ensure consistent processes and methods are followed by the company. It does not in and of itself guarantee that any materials will be manufactured or supplied to the requirements of any particular standard.

Reinforcing Steel Standards

Apples and Oranges A quick look at the list above shows that the four options above do not provide equal confidence or outcomes: • A supplier’s Quality Management system, such as ISO 9001 is a quality system that helps ensure consistent processes and methods are followed by the company. It does not in and of itself guarantee that any materials will be manufactured or supplied to the requirements of any particular standard.

Further documentation and checks are necessary, even if there are “Factory Production Control” (FPC) audits as well; • Long-term quality testing of each product provides a much greater level of certainty of quality, presuming that it is maintained consistently and completely. However, the supplier’s own declaration is not sufficient.

Samples should be drawn randomly, at a particular quality and timing from a source of “known history”. But, who checks this? And how can it be verified?

ACRS certification of the materials along the entire supply chain from steel manufacture to finished processed product ensures that the construction industry and public can be confident that the products assessed under the ACRS certification Scheme meet AS/NZS requirements.

Test Certificates That test certificates alone are not suitable as proof of conformity without substantial additional review and verification by a suitably qualified and experienced auditor. This is because test certificates are produced for a particular batch of finished material. They are only a “snapshot” of that individual product at that particular time. So, you cannot rely on that certificate for a different batch of the same product, let alone for a different product altogether.

Furthermore, one certificate does not demonstrate statistical compliance with Code requirements. Test certificates alone are not therefore adequate to demonstrate Code compliance.

• “Other means” puts the entire onus on the customer to determine compliance from the results of testing coupled with the manufacturer’s guarantee of product conformance. Does the customer, or approval body (engineer or building surveyor) really wish to take full responsibility for determining that the supplier has met all the requirements of the Standard?

• Lastly, we have steel specialist 3rd-party product certification bodies independent of the steel suppliers that examine all of the above criteria expertly and importantly, independent of the supplier to provide effective audit and certification of performance of certified products.

Clearly, independent, 3rd-party product certification is both the most rigorous and being independent, provides the most confidence in the outcome for all parties.

The ACRS scheme – steelmaking and subsequent processing and fabrication This complex and potentially confusing situation is why ACRS was formed in 2001, to provide the Australian and New Zealand construction industries with an 3rd-party system independent of steel suppliers that would ensure “The continued manufacture of reliable, safe, consistent-quality construction steels to Australian and New Zealand Standards”.

Verify the ACRS ‘chain of certification’ Remember to check the ACRS Stage 1 certification for each steel mill, and then the ACRS Stage 2 certification of the finished steel supplier (processed rebar, mesh, or welded section) supplying you the steel. This is easy, just check the ACRS website or contact ACRS directly.

Any break in the “chain of certification” between ACRS Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification means the finished steel suppled to you may not be able to claim reliance on ACRS certification. This may be breaching contract requirements if ACRS certification is specified, and you will need to verify your steel by other means.

ACRS certifies both steel mills and then the rebar processing or structural welded section fabrication. This integrated 2-stage process means that all relevant products and applicable processes supplied by ACRS certificate holders are properly assessed for both key areas in the supply chain: 1. Manufacture of the materials, and 2. The material’s subsequent transformation by cutting, bending, or welding to ensure it remains conforming with the required Standards ACRS certification of the materials along the entire supply chain from steel manufacture to finished processed product ensures that the construction industry and public can be confident that the products assessed under the ACRS certification Scheme meet AS/NZS requirements. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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ACRS_2020_Ad05_ApplesOranges_v5_260x350+5mm_INTL_press.pdf 1 16/11/2020 8:29:37 AM

Reinforcing Steel Standards

NOT ALL CERTIFICATION SCHEMES ARE CREATED EQUAL

ACRS is a steel certification scheme for steel users, and independent of product suppliers - so you know ACRS is working for you.

Our comprehensive and rigorous audits include random sampling from standard production and 3-monthly checks on production data by qualified and experienced auditors and technical staff, with independent testing conducted at selected laboratories to ensure accurate results independent of the supplier.

ACRS provides EXPERT, INDEPENDENT, THIRD-PARTY steel certification to Australian and New Zealand Standards giving you confidence in the conformity of your steel supply.

Talk to us TODAY about how ACRS Certification gives you confidence in your steel supply.

www.steelcertification.com

Ph: +61 2 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545

ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards

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Protrade Group

Protrade Group Limited Protrade Group Limited is New Zealand’s leading company in scaffolding, edge protection, and safety nets. The team delivers high-quality, fast and efficient, and trustworthy safety services in Hawke’s Bay and East Coast. Their trademark is all about being smart and working safely as this is very vital.

Services such as scaffolding include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The experienced team’s scaffolding solutions are tailored to improve workplace safety and efficiency. The company has been supplying scaffolding solutions in Hawke’s Bay since 2000.

Edge protection services include roof maintenance. Edge protection is used to stop workers, objects, and materials from falling. For example, edge protection could be temporarily used during the construction process.

Safety net services include fall protection for a safer environment. Fall protection safety nets are used as a backup plan for workers on the ground and workers at heights. The nets can catch objects like; tools, materials, and workers from falling. The nets are made from high tensile, multifilament polypropylene and are knotless. This design means the nets are flatter in a catenary, which helps reduce the risk of fall distance and also reduces the loads on both the fallen and the structure.

The safety nets are a great option - it's even better to know it’s also the cheapest option, as well as the fastest and most efficient option to install than other alternative products out there. The nets offer various benefits such as the ability to be able to work in all sorts of areas, both above and below, as the fall protection system works simultaneously.

Wanting to know more about the company?

Protrade is a well-established local company well-known in the region for being able to deliver top quality, cost-effective, and exceptional services by a trusted and wellexperienced team. Health and safety are the team’s top priority for their customers, so the team will go out of their way to help.

Protrade’s scaffolding is compliant and certified, the team has a lot of knowledge, skills, and experience to share and are highly trained technicians in safety. The company is committed to exceeding all health and safety standards while providing customers with the best solutions!

Protrade will always be committed to the health and safety policy in partnership with its employees. The company also has many health and safety certificates such as the Public Liability Insurance of $10,000,000.

The company is also always open to hiring new employees, so people can fill their details in online.

Be sure to check out more information about the company’s services, previous projects, policy and certificates at www. protrade.net.nz Contact Protrade on 0800 11 22 39, head to the office on 607 Orchard Road, Camberley, Hastings, enquire online, or email sales@protrade.net.nz today! www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 43

Cement & Concrete

Concrete construction worker selected as apprentice of the year Maxwell Sercombe of HEB Construction has been presented with the 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award by Concrete NZ and BCITO, a business unit of Te Pūkenga Work Based Learning Ltd. The pandemic greatly impacted both the construction sector and hospitality industry, leading to multiple postponements of Concrete NZ’s Conference, at which the Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year is traditionally acknowledged.

As such, Maxwell was joined by his HEB Construction colleagues and extended family, along with the Concrete NZ and BCITO teams, at a recent function in Wellington dedicated to celebrating his achievements.

In congratulating Maxwell, Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster, noted that the quality of entrants was exceptional, and included apprentices from precast manufacture, concrete placing and finishing, concrete production and concrete construction, making the judging process more challenging than is normally the case.

“Maxwell’s maturity and focus helped to elevate him above other entrants, and he deserves applause for his enthusiasm, dedication and thirst for knowledge,” Rob says.

“He has shown tremendous professional growth over recent years, which combined with his outstanding personal qualities, make Maxwell a worthy recipient of the award.”

BCITO director Jason Hungerford expressed similar sentiments in praising Maxwell’s hard mahi and achievements to date, also noting that the function was an opportunity to celebrate with the people that have supported him on his learning journey.

“In conjunction with Industry Associations, apprentice awards are held each year across all BCITO trades,” Jason says.

“For me, these awards are a culmination of everything we’re about at BCITO – training, learning, and rewarding excellence, and they reflect what we want everyone training in the construction sector to aspire to! Well done, Maxwell.”

Raymond Puhara, Structures Training manager at HEB Construction, congratulated Maxwell on his achievement, noting that it was obvious from the start that he was a go getter, punctual and reliable.

“Max gives his all in whatever he does and is definitely one of our future leaders,” Raymond says.

Maxwell has recently moved from HEB Construction’s involvement on the completed Transmission Gully to the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway project between Ashhurst and Woodville.

The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award has gained great momentum since its inception in 2016 and is an important tool to celebrate apprentice success, the importance of trade training and the value of employer and family support.

“Over recent years, the number of those enrolled in BCITO qualifications has increased dramatically, hitting 20,000 in 2021,” notes Rob. “Within this environment of trade training growth, the Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award highlights the fantastic opportunities available in the concrete industry for those contemplating a career in construction.”

Five plants secure gold status in the 2021 plant audit scheme excellence awards Concrete NZ congratulations Allied Concrete’s Nelson, Penrose and Setters Line (Palmerston North) plants, Terry’s Concrete’s Te Horo plant and Atlas Concrete’s Takapuna plant for securing Gold status in its Plant Audit Scheme Excellence Awards.

The Scheme provides a thorough and objective audit of the quality systems in place at a ready mixed concrete plant to ensure compliance with NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production, the main Standard used to specify structural concrete.

The management system of the Scheme conforms with the requirements of ISO 9001 and is independently audited by Bureau Veritas (New Zealand) Limited.

Introduced in 2019, the Plant Audit Scheme Excellence Awards use a gold, silver and bronze system to acknowledge commitment to quality across all aspects of ready mixed concrete production.

To receive an annual Excellence certificate a plant must not have received any corrective actions or have its testing requirements questioned under the Scheme.

The award was open to all those enrolled in, or who had recently completed, one of the BCITO concrete apprenticeships.

Plants that have demonstrated 3+ years of continuous excellence are recognised as Bronze, those with 5+ years as Silver, and those with 10+ years as Gold.

The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award was made possible thanks to major sponsors Concrete NZ and BCITO.

Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster, applauds the 2021 Gold, Silver and Bronze status recipients for their

G

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Maxwell Sercombe, 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, with the Concrete NZ Team.

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unwavering focus on producing quality assured ready mixed concrete.

“Concrete NZ’s Plant Audit Scheme remains the go-to mechanism for producers to demonstrate that their product meets mandatory industry Standards,” Rob says.

“A member’s client can be confident that ready mixed concrete from a plant audited through the Scheme meets NZS 3104.

This provides assurance that the concrete will achieve its strength and durability requirements in application.

“It is wonderful to see Atlas Concrete and Terry’s Concrete join Allied Concrete in achieving Gold status, particularly when the operating environment has been so difficult due to the pandemic over the past couple of years.

“I look forward to seeing other members rise to the 10+ year challenge over the next 12-months and be recognised for their dedication as Allied, Atlas and Terry’s Concrete have been in 2021.”

Cement & Concrete

Firth’s ongoing carbon journey continues...

Firth Industries is implementing sustainable practices throughout their manufacturing process is only the beginning of their contribution to sustainable building.

Firth low carbon concrete offers the combination of reduced embodied carbon with the highest quality standards of concrete ensuring strength, performance, appearance, and workability are maintained.

Firth’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) provides transparency through a verified external assessment of their manufacturing processes.

transparency by providing Firth customers information on the carbon footprint of their ready-mix product. “Offering customers this information will empower them to make a choice on lower carbon alternatives and creates a baseline for improvements on our low carbon journey.”

Sustainability in the local concrete industry

This move allows for greater analysis on the carbon impact of our operation at a more detailed level.

A third-party verified and internationally recognised sustainability tool, the EPD is a sign of Firth’s commitment to sustainability.

The growing uptake of EPDs is also indicative of New Zealand’s environmentally conscious concrete industry.

Identifying hotspots “We started collating data on our carbon footprint back in 2010 and made the decision to report by site in 2018,” explains Lily Jones, National Environmental Advisor for Firth. Lily says that having an EPD offers

Firth’s EPD covers ready-mixed concrete manufactured in their 67 plants across New Zealand and provides vital information on concrete’s environmental impacts across different strength grades.

EPDs are not only an important benchmarking tool for environmental performance, but also a sound basis for sustainable decision-making. Based on a life cycle approach EPD sheds light on processes with the most significant environmental impact and helps to prevent burden-shifting between processes. In the case of readymix concrete, the most environmentally significant process was found to be cement production, followed by aggregate production, and raw material transport.

Introducing the EC³ calculator Furthermore, Firth is using their leading position in the concrete industry to meet customer demand for low carbon concrete mixes. Firth’s Embodied Carbon Concrete Calculator (EC³) allows the company to design customer-specific low-carbon concrete mixes that still tick all the boxes for strength and durability. With the EC³ tool, Firth can design mixes to meet customers’ desired Embodied Carbon (EC) rating and thus make a meaningful contribution to the low carbon efforts of the construction industry as a whole.

DELIVERING THE SAME STRENGTH AND CONSISTENCY IT’S STILL ROCK-SOLID FIRTH CONCRETE, BUT NOW WE CAN REDUCE CARBON IN OUR CONCRETE BY 10% TO 20% AND EVEN MORE ON THE RIGHT PROJECT

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Cement & Concrete

MAX® saving workers’ backs with new stand-up battery-powered rebar tier MAX® is aiming to cut down on back strain for workers tying rebar on concrete slabs with a new stand-up battery-powered tying tool.

They have introduced the NEW MAX® RB401T-E Stand-up TwinTier™, the first tool of its kind that gives ironworkers the ability to tie rebar while standing upright.

Features of the new MAX® RB401T-E Stand Up Twintier™ Rebar Tier include: • Reduced Back Strain – the RB401T-E is an ergonomic solution for backbreaking slab work.

• Adjustable Handles – users can adjust the handles to 2 positions, to find the most comfortable fit for their height.

• Trigger less Technology – an automatic contact mechanism allows the tool to instantly tie when pushed down over a rebar intersection.

• Shorter Tie Height – a wire bending mechanism produces a shorter tie height.

Less concrete is needed to fully cover a wire tie.

• Tilt Sensor – the tilt-sensor prevents the tool from tying when angled upward.

• Enclosed Design – greater protection against debris and moisture entering the tool.

The tool’s ergonomic construction, along with its contact mechanism, which requires no pulling of a trigger, lets workers automatically form a tie when pushing the tool down on a rebar intersection. The long nose attachment allows the tool to glide into rebar intersections with minimal effort from the operator.

The TwinTier's “wire bending mechanism” feeds a precise amount of wire to match the thickness of the rebar being tied and cut down on the use of unnecessary wire. This bending mechanism consistently feeds, pulls back, twists and releases the perfect sized tie for the each application.

A low “battery power consumption” design allows the tool to produce 4000 ties per charge using a 14.4v , 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery, which recharges in just 65 minutes.

All of these features work together to reduce instances of back strain and the development of musculoskeletal injuries for ironworkers.

This means the significant risk of developing back pain in the long term was reduced by 55% using the RB401T-E. The RB401T-E can tie D10 x D10 up to D19 x D19 rebar combinations for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, road and bridge decks, industrial foundations, commercial floors and water tanks.

Like other tools in the TwinTier family, the RB401T-E’s special attributes include its faster tying speed, a reduction in wire consumption and a short wire tie.

TM

Stand Up Rebar Tier - Double the Speed - Double the Ties Reduces Back Strain The RB401T-E Stand-Up Rebar Tier is an ergonomic solu�on for backbreaking slab work. An automa�c contact mechanism allows the tool to instantly �e when pushed down over a rebar intersec�on. The �lt-sensor prevents the tool from tying when angled upward, and the enclosed design gives great protec�on against debris and moisture entering the tool. Users can adjust the handles to 2 posi�ons, to find the most comfortable fit for their height.

Wraps 2 x 1.0mm �e wires, tensions and �es �ght, with a 50% shorter �e height than other models. Ties a combined size of 20mm, up to 40mm, approximately 260 �es per coil, 4000 �es per charge, with the MAX® 65 minute fast charger. Made in Japan.

Ba�ery operated re-bar-tying tool for:

• Precast concerete products • Commerical buildings • Building foundations • Water treatment tanks • Road and bridge construction • Basements For a demo, contact sales@sifco.co.nz or visit sifco.co.nz

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NZ distributors

The RB401T-E also uses the same battery and TwinTier™ tie wire as the RB441T and RB611T handheld TwinTiers.

All of these features work together to reduce instances of back strain and the development of musculoskeletal injuries for ironworkers.

Because the RB401T-E is such a unique and sophisticated tool in the marketplace, paired with the evolving TwinTier™ solution, contractors should find that their workforce is safeguarded from what has been a backbreaking industry.

The Battery-Powered RB401T-E Keeps You Standing For more information visit the SIFCO website - www.sifco.co.nz

Next Level Commercial

Taking construction to the next level

By Natasha Parrant

Next Level Commercial is an Auckland-based company filled with commercial construction specialists.

The team aims to meet client expectations, be reliable, and deliver high-quality services at affordable prices.

The experienced team strives to always come up with innovative ways to improve their systems, processes, and people.

All concrete and carpentry jobs are done in-house, which gives the team control over two of the largest trades in the construction industry.

The site team is known for maintaining highquality standards and fulfilling their projects to the best of their ability.

The Next Level directors are Rob McIntyre (also known as the commercial manager), and Brendon Sowerby (contracts manager).

The company was established in 2020 alongside its existing residential counterpart Next level Construct, which was established 13 years ago.

The team is a commercial construction focusing on various projects with a team that is capable of delivering any level of quality with various projects – big or small.

Services include: • Main contractor commercial construction – Next Level office and site teams do exceptionally well in their jobs – both having the skill sets to accomplish their goals, and having extensive knowledge of the construction requirements and processes. The team’s knowledge helps everyone deliver a wide range of construction projects fast and efficiently each time

• High-density residential townhouse and terrace house developments – with Rob’s commercial expertise and Brendon’s residential history, the team has managed to cover all aspects of projects to make sure there’s timely delivery, exceptional completion, and cost-efficiency of any housing development

• Design and build – the team of experts works closely with other experts like architects and consultants on most of their projects to ensure they have gained

as much reliability, trust, and knowledge as possible. Doing so means the team can have the best consultants taking care of their client’s wants and needs to deliver a full design and build service

• Alterations and additions – if the team is looking to refit an existing building or add to the floor plan, the team will ensure there is protection and longevity of every project

Te Atatu Peninsula Town House Project on Waione Ave.

• Apartments – it is essential to maintain a residential mindset with the internal fit out while having knowledge and skills in commercial construction for the base build when it comes to apartments, which is why Rob and Brendon’s skills complement one another so well

• Fit outs – with small jobs that require only minor work from carpenters, the team still aims to have a unique and well-thoughtout approach to procurement and project management. They work with clients and designers to agree on the best way to deliver an exceptional finish. The team has key subcontractors that work on a week-toweek basis to achieve their goals of having high-quality projects done efficiently each time, on time, and providing quality workmanship too.

The team’s key projects are Walmer Ave Apartments Pt Chev, Te Atatu Peninsula Townhouse development, Ferrari Showroom Upgrade Newmarket, and Green Bay Life Church.

Rob says the company’s main goal is “building a skilled team capable of delivering projects in excess of $50 million.

“We want to achieve this by getting the right people on board with the right skillsets and similar mindsets to the culture we want to build as a team. Culture for us is everything.”

Next Level hopes to continue to have a reputation of being a great company that celebrates culture and achievements and shares the same values. It also wants to create an office/workplace that supports wellbeing by including an in-house gym, sauna, and café styled kitchen/bar for socializing, Rob says.

“It’s all about balance.”

Green Bay Life Church.

They have built a team of very skilled people to deliver every project as effectively as possible, while also having a culture in place that the team cherishes, Rob says.

Memorable moments Rob says he’s experienced on the job is “working on three Ferrari showroom fit outs, which is exciting in itself. Its interiors are taken to the next level in quality finishes.

“Another memorable project was the apartment refurbishment at 30 York Street, where we used a helicopter to cart materials to the penthouse due to the inability for cranage or access through the complex.

“We don’t just focus on one type of project, we strive to be experts in a variety of projects, which helps to keep things fresh and exciting within the team.”

Working in a small team has also been enjoyable for the team, as everyone has their input on every project, Rob says.

“We table pros, cons, achievements, and mistakes as a team - to that we can tackle tasks as a team. Many heads work far better than just one.”

Next Level Commercial 7 Goldfield Wairau Valley Auckland Rob McIntyre: 021 295 6035 Brendon Sowerby: 021 568 655 hello@nextlevelcommercial.co.nz www.nextlevelcommercial.co.nz

Next Level is unique compared to other construction companies as the team focuses on culture.

One of Next Level Commercial’s main projects is the Ferrari Showroom Corporate Upgrade in Newmarket. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 47

Crane Association of New Zealand

CANZ Conference 2022 – a celebration of excellence Content supplied by Crane Association of New Zealand, Sarah Toase

The TRT team on their exhibition stand at the 2021 CANZ conference. TRT are an original founding company of the association and a generous sponsor of the event.

In 2021, the Crane Association of NZ was one of the lucky ones. The annual industry conference fell in July, in a Covid-free window, just before Delta arrived in our community.

the opportunity to connect with industry colleagues and suppliers brings more benefits than just business.

We are hoping for some luck again this year, with an “orange window” opening up to allow us to run the conference at full strength, rather than the pared back version we’d need to run in red. It’s looking positive.

As we emerge in a one step forward, two steps back fashion from the pandemic, the industry finds itself busier than ever and facing global issues such as supply chain and labour constraints, emission reduction requirements and regulatory change.

Sponsors have been contacting us since early January asking for information on this year’s event, such was the quality of last year’s conference. For our members,

The conference will go ahead with its winning format, including a large indoor trade exhibition, outdoor crane display and full conference programme. With the organisation’s AGM and industry awards, it’s a busy few days which leaves people inspired and motivated about the sector.

This year’s conference will address those key issues and our speakers will aim to challenge the thinking of its 250 + delegates.

We offer an extensive range of services for crane hire, general engineering and construction, commercial diving and salvage.

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Working together to ensure a safe & healthy workplace 48 | B&C - Issue #135

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Crane Association of New Zealand

It is a chance for the industry to lift its gaze and step out of the day to day, instead taking a broader view and considering the future of industry and their own business.

Sir Graham Lowe will open as highly anticipated keynote speaker and back by popular demand is respected (and very entertaining) economist Tony Alexander with an extended speaking slot.

Our outdoor crane exhibition is New Zealand’s largest, and we will be making use of it by inviting local students to visit and see what a career in cranes is all about. Students will be able to view equipment up close, speak to operators and leaders in the industry and of course, experience lifting inside the crane simulator which will be on site (courtesy of Major Oak Safety Training).

Another key part of the conference is the Crane Awards, which plays a key role in the recognition and celebration of people and organisations who are achieving at an elevated level.

Awards are now open for entries and include the prestigious Project of the year / Lift of the Year categories. Last year’s winners were thrilled to have secured the trophy for the Ferry Basin Redevelopment – Roof Canopy Installation.

• People’s Choice • Leader of the Year • Crane Training Company of the Year

“Not only that, but the informal engagement through networking and social events is really valuable, you can’t beat that face-to-face connection and the chance to relax and connect with like-minded individuals” Toase says.

• Trainee of the Year

• Trainer of the Year • Trainer of the Year (PTE) • Booth of the Year.

• Future proofing the crane industry (speaker / panel to be confirmed)

For Toase, she would like to see entries into the Leader of the Year category increase in 2022. There are so many people out there paving the way for their business or organisation to do things better and to lift the standard of the industry. It would be great to see kiwis put aside their usual modesty and reservedness and nominate someone for the work they have done – by celebrating it we create fantastic recognition for those efforts which benefits the industry as whole. The same can be said for all of the awards.

• Technical sessions – a chance for industry experts to share their knowledge.

The 2022 Crane Conference takes place in Hamilton at Claudelands Arena, from 27th – 29th July 2022.

• Mike Brown, Transport Specifications Limited | “The role of compliance in preventing workplace accidents” • Industry updates from Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).

The programme will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

PO Box 12013 Wellington www.cranes.org.nz

The other categories are:

“It’s such a magnificent event at which to connect and do business, and people recognise that as demonstrated by the increase in attendees each year” says Crane Association of New Zealand CEO, Sarah Toase.

Other speakers will be covering a wide range of topics:

Crane Association of New Zealand

For information and to register, visit www.cranes.org.nz/conference2022

Whatever the project, let us do the heavy lifting With over 20 years’ experience within the industry and an excellent safety record the specialist team at JD Rigging provides premium quality services and products ranging from: • Crane and Hoist Hire and Sales • General rigging and heavy lifting solutions including machinery shifts • Servicing and Parts • Temporary Load Platforms • Industry Related Training including inductions and refreshers • Blokcam Safety Systems

So no matter how complex the lift, give the team a call today on 04 232 0930 or email admin@jdrigging.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 49

Crane Association of New Zealand

McLeod Cranes Ltd McLeod are based in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region with depots in Mt Maunganui, Hamilton, Taupo, Tokoroa and Kawerau. McLeod provide crane, hiab, transport services along with devanning and transitional facilities.

Crane Hire and Hiab Transport. Bay of Plenty / Waikato.

Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo, Rotorua, Kawerau, Tokoroa

Call 0508 Mcleod anytime 24/7. www.mcleod.nz

McLeod Cranes was born in 1996 when Curly McLeod bought his first crane, which he parked across the road from his home in Mangatapu. Ask anyone who knew him – Curly was a character, and he talked both his wife Anne, and his neighbours, around to this parking arrangement in no time.

Anne – also known as “Top Office” by Curly supported him from the beginning with all the office work.

Ten years later, now with a fleet of ten cranes, Curly was joined by his eldest son Scott McLeod. His second son, Pete, joined the business a year later. Curly passed away in 2012, leaving the business in the extremely capable hands of his sons.

Continuing the family tradition, Phil Hutchinson, Curly’s cousin, came on board in 2013, when McLeod Hiabs joined McLeod Cranes under the umbrella of McLeod Group.

McLeod has grown to encompass more than 130 people with one of the largest most modern fleets in the country

At last count McLeod has grown to encompass more than 130 people with one of the largest most modern fleets in the country including more than 70 cranes and hiabs. To learn more see mcleod.nz.

Logging Equipment Lifting Equipment

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03 384 3154

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03 384 4360 50 | B&C - Issue #135

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Crane Association of New Zealand

2019 - 2021 CRANE TRAINING COMPANY OF THE YEAR Specializing in heavy industry, we offer a wide range of courses including but not limited to: Knowledge of Slinging Regular Loads Safely Unit Standard 30072

Plan and Direct Complex Lifting Operations Unit Standard 3799

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New Zealand Certificate In Crane Operation

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Forklift + Telehandlers

Class 2 - 5 Heavy Vehicle Licenses

W, T, R, F, D, V License Endorsements

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Issue #135 - B&C | 51

Crane Association of New Zealand

: Also available ting The fast-erec ler crane on craw .1 chassis 42 KR

125 K – the largest of a successful family Modern control system, low space requirement and strong performance values – the 125 K from Liebherr is the front runner among the fast-erecting cranes of its category. For particularly heavy loads, the lifting capacity can be increased by up to 20 % with the Load-Plus function at the touch of a button. www.liebherr.com

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AUCKLAND, WELLINGTON OR CHRISTCHURCH DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places.

The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Due to ever increasing popularity and in conjunction with Air Chathams and Hotel Chathams, we have decided to run a tour out to the Chatham Islands for folks from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch during 2022. We will be using a 50 passenger ATR aircraft, where we will have up to 8 fully guided days to explore our most eastern island before returning home. Pitt Island is an option as is fishing.

Tour # 43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Auckland

Thur 2nd June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4:30pm Thur 9th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 8:30am-arrive Auckland 10.30am

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Mon 20th June 2022, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4:30pm Mon 27th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am-arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour # 45 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

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52 | B&C - Issue #135

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MERV’S CHATAM ISLAND TOURS PHONE 03 249 8294

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Kennelly Law

Updating your wills and do you have enduring powers of attorney It is important to look at your wills and to consider whether it needs updating to incorporate these three things.

1. Who have you appointed as your trustee and executor?

2. Are they still alive or capable of administering your estate?

3. Have any of your beneficiaries in your will died before you?

It is a good idea to spend a little bit of time reviewing what your current will says if you have not looked at it for several years and in some cases even decades. Do you need to update instructions about the burial and/or cremation? Have you thought about family and friends who have provided you with assistance and in your estate, you would want to give them a reward and/or a gift?

A will provides clear instructions for your executor and can greatly benefit them when tasked with dealing with your estate. A very clear and concise will can also significantly reduce the administration cost.

can’t make the right decisions for yourself.

The decision about whether you have lost capacity is one that is made by a medical practitioner and not by your attorney.

We can certainly help you if this is something that you may wish to discuss and get some advice on. An enduring power of attorney is a document which allows you to be looked after should for any reason you

The most important thing to remember is that without such a document in place in relation to your property, personal care and welfare, your family could be faced with a considerable cost in having to go to the

Family Court to have managers appointed in respect of both roles. Those appointments remain in effect for three years and must be renewed. The applications must be filed and considered by a Family Court Judge and with the reappointment of a lawyer to act for you. The property manager must annually prepare a report, which is audited by Public Trust and can be costly.

If this situation occurred, it could have been avoided if you had spoken to us about your Enduring Power of Attorney.

The cost of which is considerably less than what would be paid if an application were required. We are more than happy to discuss with you and draw up the documents that will give you peace of mind.

You can provide very clear instructions for your attorney and in the document provide them with guidance and assistance if you believe it is necessary. In respect of property, you can have two people for respective care and for welfare you can only have one person. It is also important to think about appointing substitute attorneys just in case.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 53

Elevating Work Platform Association

A push to lift MEWP standards The Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) is driving initiatives to improve safety and compliance for owners, operators and those who carry out inspections of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

This would make training more relevant and specific to MEWPs and Registered Inspectors compliance and documentation more structured, consistent and regularly audited.

This ensures an Inspector is a competent person to carry out inspections.

MEWPs are commonplace on construction sites in New Zealand, there are thought to be 10-12,000 machines nationwide, ranging from what’s commonly known as cherry-

They’re seen on just about any job site that requires staff to work at height.

This includes construction workers, electricians, painters, signwriters, window cleaners, and many other occupations. An MEWP is an excellent control method for hazards when working a height.

Operator training MEWPs come under the umbrella of Worksafe’s Good Practice Guidelines (BPG), Mobile Elevating Work Platforms 2014. The BPG requires any worker who operates an MEWP of any type to be properly trained in its operation.

One means of showing competency is holding the relevant NZQA unit standard for the type of MEWP being operated.

Silvercard™ Competent Operator MEWP Card is an easy identifier of suitably trained operators.

because they don’t have the required training. That risk expands beyond their own health and wellbeing.”

Proper training and protocols around the operation of MEWPs cannot be emphasised enough, says EWPA CEO, Rodney Grant.

Rodney says that if there’s an incident or accident, causing injury to people or damage to property, insurance potentially won’t pay out for repairs or replacement of a machine if whoever was operating it wasn’t adequately trained.

“There are a lot of people who put themselves and their businesses at risk

Clint Norgrove: M 021 361599 E clint@liftx.co.nz

LOOKING TO BECOME A COMPETENT EWP OPERATOR? SILVERCARDTM IS AN INDUSTRY-LEADING RECOGNISED PROVIDER OF EWP & FORKLIFT TRAINING

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Our Silvercard TM Trainers are industry professionals with extensive EWP knowledge and experience.

Based country-wide, you will receive first class training, awareness and education in the safe use of EWP’s throughout New Zealand

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54 | B&C - Issue #135

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We sell the hardest working EWP brands like Dingli, Haulotte and MEC with over 75 different models to choose from and all new machines come with full warranty. We have an extensive selection of parts on hand and fast responding techs available for call-outs.

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This is geared toward making the industry have a career pathway and a continuing education programme for inspection personnel.

pickers, to scissor platforms and booms that reach up to 55m.

lift

As part of this, the association has created a Registered Inspector Programme that ensures MEWPs are inspected at the highest standards, providing assurances to all owners and users that the machines are safe to use.

Visit www.silvercard.co.nz to find a Trainer near you

Elevating Work Platform Association “Each machine has its limits. They have a lot of safety controls which won’t let you operate them outside their parameters.

But people do push the boundaries. Proper machine selection is imperative.

This is where Silvercard™ training comes in. “Operators need to understand a lot of factors before they hop in and operate the machine and they need to do the safety checks every time they use one.”

Maintenance and repairs MEWPs should have a prestart check by the operator the first time they operate that machine each day. An MEWP used by multiple people will get as many checks as operators for the day.

An operator must ensure the machine is safe prior to use and should not rely on others to do this for them.

In a workplace, this could also lead to being investigated and even prosecuted for Health and Safety breaches.

“An MEWP is equally, if not more, dangerous than a motor vehicle, if not used or serviced correctly.

Operator error is a common factor for accidents with MEWPs.

“People can be hurt or even worse, die if used incorrectly, poorly maintained or inspected.”

Poor machine selection for the job, poor site conditions, using a machine outside of its parameters, can also contribute to incidents, so effective and proper training reduces the risk significantly.

Rodney says, “MEWPs in New Zealand are designed, manufactured and maintained to very high standards.

“But if maintenance and inspections aren’t carried when required, there is a higher risk of an issue with the machine.”

EHL Technical Services Division manager and company director, Steve Boyde, agrees. He has decades of experience in the repair and maintenance of MEWPs in Taranaki.

MEWPS are also required to be inspected on a regular basis. Every three months by the

owner and every six months the machine is given a thorough safety inspection by a competent person.

Once satisfied the MEWP is given a clean bill of health and issued with a six-monthly inspection Certificate.

The inspection checks are carried out to the requirements of the BPG and joint national standards with Australia.

Rodney Grant says it’s a requirement that any repairs and maintenance are carried out by someone who is deemed competent and trained to manufacturer’s standards.

“We highly recommend that for repairs you go to a specialist technician company. Going to someone who doesn’t work on MEWPs on a regular basis is not a good idea.

“These are safety devices, which take people to heights and if that machine fails because of poor maintenance, it could cause harm.”

Continued on page 58 >

He says common areas of failure are those of the stability systems not working properly.

“All MEWPs are wind-rated, they are quite a large, exposed mass when they are up high.

“If they’re up and the windspeed is higher than what they’re made for, they become unstable and can topple over.”

He says that most MEWPs are not made to be operated in wind speeds above 12.5m/ second, that’s around 40km/h.

He says that pushing the envelope with the capabilities of an MEWP is a recipe for disaster.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 55

Elevating Work Platform Association

Blended MEWP training: Your ticket on your terms BeSafe's Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) training course is a blend of online and practical training which means your workers don't have to leave your worksite to get their ticket.

General manager Jason Braithwaite says the online theory combined with two hours of practical training – at your place of work – is a great way to increase productivity as trainees can complete their theory training over multiple sittings.

“If you set aside an hour a day for online learning, you still get seven productive hours a day, every day, without having to send your staff offsite. Ultimately saving money for the business and helping improve your bottom line.”

"Each person also gets two quality practical hours on the machine on your site or our training centre, with a maximum of 4 trainees across two machines. This results in better outcomes through improved engagement between the trainer and trainee.”

Besides the legal requirement for scissor lift and knuckle lift operators to have completed training, BeSafe's blended training programme improves on the job productivity.

"An understanding of how to plan the operation, ensure your equipment is safe, mechanically sound and fit for purpose saves time (and money) and avoids delays due to unprepared work sites, poor positioning and mechanical failure. It also reduces the risk of injury – particularly when you consider that MEWPs are operated by numerous people, and therefore may be unknown factors.”

For more information contact our team on 0800 333 899

WHY BLENDED MEWP TRAINING? • Less Time Off Site • Complete the Practical on Your Site or Ours

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• More Flexibility • Dedicated Student Support • NZQA Accredited info@besafetraining.co.nz

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Elevating Work Platform Association

EWPA Registered Inspector Programme Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand (Inc.) PO Box 90744, Victoria Street West Auckland 1142 (07) 575 2563 021 997 184 office@ewpa.org.nz www.ewpa.org.nz

EWPAs Registered Inspector programme has been running for three years and the Association is positioning it to have it recognised and accepted by the regulator as the minimum standard for training of a MEWP Inspector.

Steve Boyde, is on the board of the EWPA, says they can see a problem with the industry that needs attention.

YRCO.CO.NZ

“I see corners being cut all the time and I find it quite frustrating and I know other members do too.

Get on track.

“For example, a workplace may have one qualified inspector, and they’ll let all the staff sign off on repairs using that person’s name. It’s like using someone else’s driver’s licence.”

He says that including the organisation’s Registered Inspector Programme in the new regulations coming out soon from MBIE and Worksafe is vital to advance industry safety standards.

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“CBIP’s job is to issue competency certificates for inspectors. We need to go further than that, providing ongoing development, monitoring and mentoring for those people working as inspectors.”

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The way things are now, inspectors assess all sorts of machinery and could be an expert on cranes, for example, but have limited knowledge of an MEWP. He says that inspectors don’t necessarily have an understanding of how MEWPs actually work and that he has come across machines where inspectors have missed critical safety features.

New Zealand

Auckland, Head Office 6-10 Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay, Auckland (+64) 09 443 2436 sales@yrco.co.nz

Auckland, Mt Wellington 20L Sylvia Park Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland (+64) 09 553 5470 salesmtwell@yrco.co.nz

Wellington 8 Broken Hill Road, Porirua, Wellington (+64) 04 212 2456 saleswell@yrco.co.nz

Christchurch 20 Nga Mahi Road, Sockburn, Christchurch (+64) 03 341 6923 saleschch@yrco.co.nz

“Implementing thorough, walk-around prestart check before starting up an MEWP needs to become an automatic routine for operators.

“To be blunt, a lot of machines are very poorly looked after on site at the moment.

They often aren’t used properly and totally avoidable things happen, like running out of fuel while operating at height.”

The EWPA provided MEWP Safety Logbook will show all the checks, inspections and possible faults with the MEWP. It’s found in the Orange Logbook Pouch on every MEWP. MEWP Inspectors require constant training and understanding technology improvements that are constantly evolving and changing with MEWP design and safety systems.

They have a lot of safety features and proper training in the use of analysers and other diagnostic tools to suit the machine is very important.

“If you’re a WOF issuer you’re regularly audited and checked, whereas no one’s checking the work of a MEWP inspector.

“I send a report to the customer detailing what I’ve done, but no one’s checking my record keeping. I am however now working under the EWPA Registered Inspector program which does keep checks on me.

“I’ve seen machines where the boom has been enabled to go further than it should, which means it could tip over.

But it had a new certificate put on it because the inspector didn’t know the machine should have an interlock to prevent this from happening.”

Says Steve, “Constant training and knowledge growth is a very important part of being a competent inspector”.

Inspectors need to have a deep understanding of the machines. They have a lot of safety features, they are all different and have their own tricks and traps, according to Steve.

Another glaring loophole in the system, as it is, is that the person who carries out a major repair can also sign it off.

This is something that will change under the new regulations. A third party would have to do that check to certify the repair, ideally a Registered Inspector who has gone through the EWPA training programme.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 57

Pit Spot Napier

Pit Stop Napier If you've been searching online for a mechanic in Napier, then you've definitely come to the right place. Pitstop Napier is a busy automotive workshop that provides a variety of services to its satisfied customers.

The Team at Pit Stop Napier will look after your needs, backed by quality workmanship and comprehensive Pit Stop guarantees.

With over 45 stores nationwide, Pit Stop is New Zealand’s largest chain of automotive service stores specialising in all vehicle repairs. Are you looking for a WOF, Full Service, Exhaust work, Brakes, Shocks and Suspension repairs or more?

You can be sure that “you’ve come to the right place”.

The professional, courteous team at Pit Stop Napier will look after you, with highquality workmanship, and we stand by our work. The team is there to give you “peace of mind motoring” and ensure your vehicle

is safe and reliable so you can drive with confidence all year round.

We support our broad client base with a wide array of knowledge and experience on most makes and models from European, Japanese, American, Australian and Korean markets.

We are always looking for the best deal to save you time and money. Whether its tyres, full brake replacement, batteries, exhaust repairs or upgrades …we’re here to help.

Pit Stop Napier is well equipped to manage even the latest modern vehicles. We have invested heavily on up-to-date equipment and specialised tools to ensure you are back on the road in no time.

We support our broad client base with a wide array of knowledge and experience on most makes and models from European, Japanese, American, Australian and Korean markets.

Watch out for our regular specials throughout the year: • Brake pad/rotors combos • Free WoF with EZY service • Free electronic health checks with EZY services • Free safety inspections Check out all our great offers at www. pitstop.co.nz including our customer rewards program and more.

Pit Stop Napier is open weekdays from 8am -5pm. Secure your booking with Blair, Rex and the team.

Book online: www.pitstop.co.nz Give us a call: 06 835 6165 Visit our workshop: 147 Tennyson St. Napier Have a look on the website for reviews from trusted clients about their experience with Pit Stop Napier: www.pitstop.co.nz/branch/napier

Client Testimonials: Inga P - Had lots of problems with my car, Pit Stop team solved them all, explained professionally everything what was wrong, gave me estimated price, at the end paid much cheaper! Very happy with friendly staff, very quick and exceptional service, recommend 100%!

T Turner - These chaps are really professional and super-efficient. Came in for a quick job that was urgent and they turned it around in a couple hours.

5/5 for service and quality good job lads Al Peychers - A true 5 star service.

Quality workmanship, realistic advice and fairly priced.

M Ahrens - This is a company of choice - fast, friendly and interested in their customers.

PIT STOP NAPIER YOUR LOCAL MECHANIC WOF & CAR SERVICING Backed by quality workmanship and comprehensive Pit Stop guarantees.

CONTACT

58 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

OPENING HOURS

06 835 6165

8am - 5pm Monday - Friday

napier@pitstop.co.nz

Closed weekends

pitstop.co.nz/branch/napier

147 Tennyson Street, Napier

Easy Access

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 59

Scaffolding and Access Solutions

Maintaining safe scaffold practices points to advise other people of the status of the scaffold. Physical means to prevent access should also be considered.

Many risks associated with erecting a scaffold also apply to people using and working on it. Regular inspections of the scaffold are essential.

Repairs must only be done by someone qualified to do so. Bent tube must not be straightened for reuse – it must be cut out and/or discarded.

People using the completed scaffold should follow any special requirements outlined on the handover certificate or scaffold tag.

Common risks when working on the scaffold include: • slips and trips on slippery surfaces, decking with trip hazards or obstructed working and access platforms

Pre-start checks and regular inspections Pre-start checks before a scaffold is first used for the day should identify any risks. Pre-start checks on suspended scaffold must be done by a competent person and include a visual check and load test.

• falling through gaps in poorly constructed platforms or through unprotected openings • using tools incorrectly, or defective or badly maintained tools

Details of the inspection must be recorded and signed by the person who carried out the inspection. They can just be a checklist of main findings and comments.

The inspection record or register must be kept on site, and for convenience can be included on or combined with the scaffolding tag.

Damaged or non-compliant scaffold If the scaffold cannot be repaired, it should have the stair or ladder access removed if possible, and/or tags attached to all access points (where the means of access cannot be removed) or on visible locations on the

• carrying or transporting tools and materials

scaffold, stating the status of the scaffold.

The scaffold should be dismantled and disposed of.

Scaffolding that does not satisfactorily meet inspection requirements, or has been damaged, must be taken out of service immediately and may not be used until repairs have been done. A scaffolding tag should be hung on the scaffold at access

• hazardous substances such as asbestos and silica dust contaminating the scaffolding • falling from the scaffold (e.g., due to inadequate edge protection or climbing the outside of the scaffold) • failure of scaffold components • scaffold collapses (e.g., due to overloading, unauthorised alterations, incorrect construction or design).

Standard requirements for work on a scaffold include: • A safety helmet and appropriate safety footwear should be worn • Clear access of at least 450 mm should be maintained on all access and working platforms • The scaffold should be kept clear of rubbish and excess material. Harmful substances such as silica dust should be prevented from collecting on the scaffold • Inspections of the scaffold and associated equipment should be carried out regularly to ensure the scaffold is safe to use.

Records of inspections should be kept • Tools and equipment should be in good working condition • Repairs and alterations should be carried out by a competent person. All scaffolds that have been repaired or altered should be inspected • Scaffolding that is no longer safe to use should be taken out of service immediately until repairs have been done.

It should be tagged to warn people and access points should be closed off.

Content kindly provided by and under the copyright of WorkSafe New Zealand.

More information can be found at www.worksafe.govt.nz.

Scaffold & Edge Protection Local - Residential

We use high quality Proscaff Scaffold and Tube and Clip Scaffold to ensure the safest working conditions for your contractors so you can get your job done safely and efficiently, on time and within your budget.

021 356 429 | manager@absolutescaffoldingltd.co.nz 60 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Safety Nets

The best in safety nets Safety Nets NZ is a preferred safety-netting specialist for supplying all your safety-netting requirements.

Workplace falls are one of the most common causes of injury within the New Zealand construction industry and the easiest thing you can do to mitigate that risk is to choose a trustworthy provider of safety net equipment.

From large commercial and industrial sites to residential home builds, Safety Nets NZ’s fall protection systems are suitable for a range of circumstances to meet your every heightsafety concern.

Supported by a nationwide network of installers, the company is able to offer its solutions to businesses nationwide.

It has over 600,000sqm of nets available for use in different regions, which is the equivalent to more than 4,000 house-lots of nets.

As an industry leader the company has been instrumental in developing and improving industry standards.

This includes assisting in the writing the Code of Practice, and together with a team from

the Massey University School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, developing a facility to test its safety nets and engineer the only fully independently certified and compliant safety net fall protection system for use on residential construction projects in New Zealand.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) states that all PCBUs have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. The act requires all PCBUs to ensure that any system that they are using is without health and safety risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

There is a “duty to test” placed on all PCBUs to ensure and verify that they are certain that the systems and materials, they use are fit for purpose, and capable of performing as expected, without risk to the health and safety of the workforce.

By using the systems developed by Safety Nets NZ, which have been independently tested and certified by the team at Massey University, the company’s clients can rest assured that they have discharged their duties in regards to their obligations of the Act.

The combination of safety net, debris net and plastic sheeting forms a “sandwich” that is proving very popular with clients who are looking to replace aged roofs on their properties.

The company has continued to develop the stable of services that it offers to include a bespoke protection system for use with the removal/replacement of existing roof sheeting on large warehouses.

"The system has successfully been established on numerous projects throughout the country with minimal disruption to existing factory processes, meaning that our clients’ business processes

have been able to continue on unaffected as their roof has been replaced."

The system has subsequently been further developed to deal with the removal of asbestos contaminated roofing materials.

It is the aim of Safety Nets NZ to offer the most professional, practical and efficient safety net installation solution in the country, with delivery of the highest possible level of customer service being its main focus.

• Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed a fall through protection system that has been independently tested and certified by Massey University.

• By using our system you have the comfort of knowing that as PCBU, you have taken all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the system you are using is fit for purpose and capable of performing as expected without risk to the health and safety of your workforce.

• Are you re-roofing an industrial property? If so ask us about our bespoke debris and asbestos containment, fall protection system which enables your work processes to continue uninterrupted whilst the roof is replaced.

• Our nationwide network of local installers are dedicated to providing exceptional, customer focussed fall arrest solutions.

North Island 0800 NETSNZ (638 769) • South Island 0800 NETS4U (638 748) • WWW.SAFETYNETSNZ.CO.NZ

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 61

Insulation Association of New Zealand

The importance of proper insulation Often times, homeowners seek short-term solutions to fix a cold, damp house – running heat pumps, dehumidifiers and similar devices – when the best solution is the one that addresses the fundamental problem of heat escaping.

Questions to ask before starting work at a new site: • Has the property I am working on had any changes made to the roof "over time?

• Was the property re-roofed, partially damaged etc?

• If so, what was the roof product replaced?

If you don’t know what the roofing product is – especially if residue has been left on the insulation being replaced – get it tested before starting work.

Having a well-insulated home keeps you and your family healthier, as well as saves you money every year.

The two main areas of concern are:

The World Health Organisation recommends temperatures between 18 °C and 22 °C, and this is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

A Statistics New Zealand Report on Energy and Hardship showed that up to a third of New Zealand households struggled with their power bills or spent a large part of their income on power.

1. Some blow-in types of insulation used in NZ in the past have contained asbestos.

2. Asbestos contamination from roofing such as super six and super eight sheeting.

About IAONZ:

If there is any unknown blow-in type of insulation, it should be tested. If there is any uncertainty around the product, it should also be tested.

• Works with Government and industry toward agreed standards

This ends up costing more in the long run due to incurred health-related costs. A MOTU report demonstrated that the return on investment from putting good quality insulation in a home is five dollars for every one dollar invested.

• Offers different levels of membership depending on level of experience, training and work previously completed

The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme found that retrofitting homes with insulation produced several healthrelated savings and benefits of up to $860 per year per household, including:

• Has trained over 2,000 insulation experts through its training courses

IAONZ is aware of a blow-in product imported from Australia containing amosite asbestos – asbestos has also been found in old vermiculite blown insulation.

• Provides uptake and technical information to MBIE and EECA from its members

Asbestos was contained in a lot of roofing material, as well as some exterior cladding material. Installers should never work in a ceiling with super six or super eight roofing. It’s shaped like corrugated iron, but it’s thicker and made fibrolite.

• Represents over 90 percent of the industry.

• Reductions in GP visits • Reductions in time off work and school

Building for climate change

• Reduced household level hospitalisation costs

Probably one of the biggest impacts insulation can have is around New Zealand’s carbon zero targets and effecting positive climate change.

• Pharmaceutical use costs • Reduced mortality risk for the elderly.

The study also estimates at least a third of private dwellings may be under-insulated, and it suggests that if all homes were properly insulated, New Zealand might gain ongoing health-related benefits of approximately $0.5 billion per year.

Not only that, but it shows that retrofitting insulation and installing effective home heating decreased wheezing in children with asthma and reduced number of sick days off school.

Insulation regulations for rental homes It’s been compulsory for all rental homes to have ceiling and underfloor insulation since the 1st of July 2019.

work you need is the minimum you should expect out of an installer.

The Insulation Association of New Zealand fully supports the recent report released by the Building for Climate Change Commission and is encouraging the NZ Government to go further as we need to deal with all the existing housing stock.

Basic questions for your insulation installer:

Engaging in a Government subsidies deep renovation programme has the potential to be the single biggest change towards achieving our climate change goals – which could be brought forward to 2030.

When you have a retrofitter or industry professional that’s a member of the Insulation Association of New Zealand (IAONZ), you can have peace of mind that the job will be done the right way that will insulate your home for years to come.

Experts in insulation Making sure you have a professional that’s qualified and competent to do the insulation

• Are you a member of IAONZ? • What training has the installer completed?

• How many projects have you completed?

IAONZ was founded in 2009 to provide industry professionals an advocate for quality installation, training and product, specifically

The safety of you and your workers is absolutely vital. Ensuring you have the proper plan for if and when you encounter asbestos is important for everyone’s health and to stay compliant with the law.

established for the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart retrofit programme.

IAONZ works with the Government and the industry toward an agreed standard of quality; it’s proud to offer training courses that are in accordance with the most up-todate Standards in the NZ Building Code and the AS/NZ Standards for installing insulation.

Retrofitting insulation in your property pays dividends in the long run, also reducing health costs, energy savings and risks for children and the elderly.

Having a trained expert with industry experience and qualifications, as well as upto-date knowledge of current legislation and code, ensures that your investment into your health and home is the highest quality.

All rental homes also must be fully compliant with the Healthy Homes Standard by 2024.

All rental properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act need to meet the new regulations, and insulation must meet the correct standards and be installed safely.

Wall insulation isn’t mandatory.

Landlords beware: if you don’t have the correct insulation installed, you can be in for a big fine. You may be liable for exemplary damages of up to $4,000.

Checking with a professional is crucial to see if you’re in compliance, an exception or are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. 62 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Insulation Association of New Zealand (IAONZ) PO Box 45-098 Lower Hutt Wellington (027) 288 3770 membership@iaonz.co.nz www.iaonz.co.nz

Insulation Association of New Zealand

New Zealand's trusted Insulation Network

NATIONWIDE INSTALLER NETWORK

NEW BUILDS RETRO FIT LIGHT COMMERCIAL

50-YEAR WARRANTY ON OUR PRODUCT & INSTALL

www.premierinsulation.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 63

Insulation Association of New Zealand

NEW GENERATION Consciously designed & engineered

Guaranteed Performance

Performance Insulation Solutions that meet and exceed the new insulation standards.

Welcome to EXPOL’s new generation, high performance insulation range specifically designed to meet the new insulation standards which will be introduced on the 3rd of November 2022.

Designed to reduce our carbon footprint and deliver dryer, warmer, healthier and environmentally friendly spaces.

Whether its under timberfloor insulation, under concrete floor insulation, wall insulation or skillion roof insulation our new generation range has been designed to meet and exceed the new insulation standards.

Our key focus in the development of these products is the environment and we have introduced the following initiatives to achieve this: Where possible we use recycled polystyrene in our products.

We have introduced construction and residential polystyrene programs which are delivered through our 7 recycling plants nationwide.

Member of

Learn more about EXPOL New Generation Products visit www.expol.co.nz Call or email our Technical Manager; T: 0800 86 33 73 or E: tech@expol.co.nz

Slab On Ground & Slab Edge Insulation Solutions minimum R1.5 to R3.0

Roof Insulation R6.6

Timber UnderFloor Insulation R2.5 & R3.1

Wall Insulation minimum R2.0

*

EXPOL Platinum Board & EXPOL ThermaSlab

EXPOL SLABX200 & EXPOL-X

EXPOL R2.5 & EXPOL R3.1 Black

EXPOL ThermaSlab & EXPOL Platinum Board

* Timber UnderFloor Insulation R2.5

Sustainability E: sustainability@expolearth.co.nz

Guaranteed Performance

64 | B&C - Issue #135

Contact EXPOL P: +64 9 634 3449 F: +64 9 634 0756

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Sales T: 0800 86 33 73 E: sales@expol.co.nz

Website www.expolearth.co.nz

Quotes/Technical E: tech@expol.co.nz

05/2022

Learn about our recycling initiatives

NEW ZEALAND OWNED & MANUFACTURED

EXPOL Product Training T: 0800 86 33 73 www.expolexpert.co.nz

Website www.expol.co.nz

Insulation Association of New Zealand

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 65

Drainage

Infiltration of surface water into the foul water system Surface water entering the foul water system through gully dishes can cause problems for sewer network utility operators in floodprone areas.

3.3.1: All gully traps shall be constructed to prevent the ingress of surface water and foreign bodies likely to cause a blockage, shall be located within the legal boundary of the land on which the building is erected, and shall have: a) The overflow level of the gully dish no less than either: i) 25 mm above paved surfaces

Does your threshold drainage meet code compliance?

If you’re a builder or subcontractor, code compliant level threshold drainage is easier to achieve than you might think.

The design of a le vel threshold drainage system is not as simple as it first seems.

The E2 building code is very prescriptive in what will be allowed – is your solution code compliant? Let ACO help with choosing the correct product for your application.

E2 Building Code Clause 7.3.2.1 of the E2 building code lists the requirements for an acceptable solution for level threshold drainage: • A channel that is 150mm deep, 200mm wide • Maximum channel length of 3.7m • 1:200 minimum fall to outlet.

The grating that sits over the channel must: • Be able to be fully removed for maintenance • Be supported independently of the door frame, without spacers • Have a continuous gap of 12mm.

To meet the letter of the E2 Building Code, a cast in-situ channel is required with a grate that does not rely on the channel base or door joinery for support.

Legs sitting in the channel base can impact on the quality of waterproofing, and will often obstruct clear flow of water to the outlet. A complete blockage of the channel can even cause water to back up into the cladding cavity.

Alternative solutions If site conditions allow, a precast grated channel or slot drain can be installed against the building as a level threshold alternative solution.

This option is often quicker and easier to install, and means outlets can be spaced up to 80m centres.

Product selections include ACO KlassikDrain or Brickslot, and PowerDrain for heavy duty traffic applications.

Each alternative solution needs to be addressed on a project-by-project basis.

To meet consent requirements, most councils require manufacturer’s calculations to demonstrate the performance of the system.

ACO offers a free hydraulic design service and can provide product details at all stages of the project.

Each council has different requirements, be sure to check with your ACO representative before choosing a drain to make sure it meets local requirements.

ACO Limited has unrivalled experience providing threshold drainage solutions throughout the country.

Ask ACO today to help with your project at info@aconz.co.nz or 0800 448 080.

ThresholdDrain ACO’s level threshold drainage products are designed to fully comply with the requirements of the E2 Building Code.

ACO’s Cantilever ThresholdDrain is fully supported by the cantilever arm, and ACO OnePour ThresholdDrain is a bolted bracket system that used the landscaping concrete for its support.

Cantilever ThresholdDrain is ideal for tile and paved exteriors, and can be scheduled so the landscaping contractor is not interfering with the installation of the drain.

OnePour ThresholdDrain is perfect for concrete floor finishes. Both products do not require a rubber spacer or leg for structural integrity.

66 | B&C - Issue #135

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Several parts of the Building Code and its Acceptable Solutions relate to this situation.

Compliance with both E1 Surface Water and G13 Foul Water is required.

Building Code Clause E1 Surface Water The Building Code Clause E1 Surface Water covers what is commonly called stormwater.

There are two relevant parts: E1.3.1: Surface water, resulting from an event having a 10 percent probability of occurring annually and which is collected or concentrated by buildings or sitework, shall be disposed of in a way that avoids the likelihood of damage or nuisance to other property.

E1.3.2: Surface water, resulting from an event having a 2 percent probability of occurring annually, shall not enter buildings. Performance E1.3.2 shall apply only to housing, communal residential and communal non-residential buildings.

ii) or 100 mm above unpaved surfaces.

Comment: It is imperative that the waste pipe connections to the gully trap remain watertight to prevent the ingress of ground/ surface water.

In summary All new building work must comply with the Building Code. In this case, both Clauses E1, Surface Water, and G13, Foul Water, apply. To achieve this: • The floor level must be as given in E1/AS1, providing the location is not within a flood prone area • If in a flood prone area, E1/VM1 applies.

Depending on circumstances, this requires the floor level to be 150mm or 500mm above the one in 50-year flood level

G13 Acceptable Solution

• The top of the gully dish must be above the one in 10-year flood level to meet E1.3.1.

In addition, the Network Utility Operator may have further requirements to avoid damage to its network (see E1.3.3(e)).

G13/AS2 states the following about surface water entering the foul water system:

Information sourced from www.building.govt.nz.

Drainage

Does your threshold drainage meet code compliance?

If you’re a builder or subcontractor, code compliant level threshold drainage is easier to achieve than you might think.

ACO Cantilever

The design of a level threshold drainage system is not as simple as it first seems.

The E2 building code is very prescriptive in what will be allowed – is your solution code compliant? Let ACO help with choosing the correct product for your application.

“

ACO’s Cantilever ThresholdDrain is fully supported by the cantilever arm, and ACO OnePour ThresholdDrain is a bolted bracket system that used the landscaping concrete for its support.

“

E2 Building Code •

ACO OnePourTM

• • • • • • •

E1 Alternative Solution

Clause 7.3.2.1 of the E2 building code lists the requirements for an acceptable solution for level threshold drainage: A channel that is 150mm deep, 200mm wide.

Maximum channel length of 3.7m.

1:200 minimum fall to outlet.

The grating that sits over the channel must: Be able to be fully removed for maintenance.

Be supported independently of the door frame.

Have a continuous gap of 12mm.

Legs sitting in the channel base will often obstruct clear flow of water to the outlet.

A complete blockage of the channel can even cause water to back up into the cladding cavity.

ThresholdDrain ACO’s level threshold drainage products are designed to fully comply with the requirements of the E2 Building Code.

Your problem? Our solution.

ACO leads the way with stormwater drainage in New Zealand. Fully E2 compliant level threshold solutions and AS1 alternative solutions are available off the shelf. Ask 0800 448 080 ACO for a no-obligation discussion and quote for your www.aconz.co.nz next commercial, educational or residential projects.

ACO’s Cantilever ThresholdDrain is fully supported by the cantilever arm, and ACO OnePour ThresholdDrain is a bolted bracket system that used the landscaping concrete for its support.

Cantilever ThresholdDrain is ideal for tile and paved exteriors, and can be scheduled so the landscaping contractor is not interfering with the installation of the drain.

OnePour ThresholdDrain is perfect for concrete floor finishes. Both products do not require a rubber spacer or leg for structural integrity.

ACO Drain®

ACO Self

QuARTz by ACO

Alternative Solution (E1 compliant) If site conditions allow, a precast grated channel or slot drain can be installed against the building as a level threshold alternative solution, complying with the E1 Building Code.

Product selections include ACO KlassikDrain or Brickslot, and PowerDrain for heavy duty traffic applications.

This option is often quicker and easier to install, and means outlets can be spaced up to 80m centres.

Each alternative solution needs to be addressed on a project-by-project basis.

After providing detail and evidence, of an E2 alternative being fit for purpose at design stage, this will be checked by the designer and then go for coucil consent.

To meet consent requirements, most councils require manufacturer’s calculations to demonstrate the performance of the system. ACO offers a free hydraulic design service and can provide product details at all stages of the project.

Each council has different requirements, be sure to check with your ACO representative before choosing a drain to make sure it meets local requirements.

ACO Limited has unrivalled experience providing threshold drainage solutions throughout the country.

Ask ACO today to help with your project at info@aconz.co.nz or 0800 448 080.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 67

Hemp Building Association of New Zealand

Promoting and supporting hempcrete construction

By Natasha Parrant

The Hemp Building Association of New Zealand (HBANZ) is raising awareness of the benefits of hempcrete construction in the country and has its sights set on large building companies, and ultimately the New Zealand building code.

HBANZ was established at the end of 2019. The association uses its social media platforms to spread information on the latest industrial hempcrete building news, both what’s happening in Aotearoa and housing developments from hempcrete builds worldwide.

The latest international news is that in New York, the International Code Council (ICC) approved Hempcrete for the USA International Residential (Building) Code.

This was due to the hard work of the US Hemp Building Association.

Erkhart Construction uses hempcrete to build sustainable eco-friendly homes for Kiwis.

Inside Toby Ricketts’s (a professional voice over artist) hempcrete house and recording studio in Mangōnui.

According to HBANZ co-founder, Jo Say, “We’re just starting out on this journey now.

Our vision is to get hempcrete added as a separate standard within the New Zealand building code.”

America’s latest news is inspiring to HBANZ and to have the same thing happen in New Zealand could take about two years, Jo says.

Industrial Hemp (cannabis) contains 0.35 percent or less THC. Industrial hemp has been legal to grow in the country since 2006.

Hempcrete construction uses industrial hemp hurds to build houses. The stalk gets processed into two products: the outer stem (the bast fibres) and the inner stem which is the hurd.

Jo defines hemp as a “miracle plant that can be manufactured into almost anything.”

Since 2006, New Zealand farmers have been able to grow industrial hemp legally but couldn’t process the hemp stalk.

Therefore, hempcrete builders had to import the hurds for construction from Australia. However, a break-line decortication (processing) facility opened in Christchurch in 2021 funded by Carrfields, New Zealand Yarn, and Hemp New Zealand.

“That’s what’s going to help enable the New Zealand hempcrete construction industry to really take off now,” Jo says.

The other essential part of hempcrete is the binder. A binder is like the glue, Jo says.

The binders used to build the New Zealand hempcrete houses have so far been imported from Australia.

However, Kerikeri-based Rockstead Construction owner and hempcrete builder Doug Sturrock is currently developing a New Zealand first – a hempcrete binder sourced from all local ingredients. The binder will be commercially produced in Kerikeri and hopefully will be available for use in early 2023.

Rockstead Construction and HBANZ aim to develop a hempcrete walling system with Codemark accreditation. This system is an important part of the scaling up of the hempcrete construction industry, Jo says.

68 | B&C - Issue #135

Another photo of hempcrete taken by Erkhart Construction.

Erkhart Construction is a New Zealand owned and operated hempcrete construction company in Wanaka.

Find more information on Rockstead Construction check here: www.rocksteadconstruction.co.nz.

The benefits of using hempcrete are: 1. It’s environmentally friendly: every hempcrete building is a carbon sink, which is essentially sucking the carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere rather than generating it. The global construction industry is creating 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

2. It has a high insulation R-value and a strong thermal mass performance, which means there’s a very stable temperature inside hempcrete buildings. Thus, the heating and cooling of the hempcretebuilt home are minimal.

3. Hempcrete has a natural hygroscopic capacity, which means there’s humidity regulation occurring in a hempcrete house. Hempcrete doesn’t produce mould and condensation, so the walls inside hempcrete houses are “literally breathing,” Jo says.

4. Hempcrete is also non-combustible, has great acoustic performance, goodquality seismic performance (hempcrete has 75 percent less chance of cracking than concrete in an earthquake), and being a quarter of the weight of concrete has positive implications for foundation design.

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5. Hempcrete houses are drier and warmer than the average house. A quarter of Kiwis live in damp houses, which causes health issues. Therefore, hempcrete houses are some of the healthiest homes in New Zealand.

word of mouth, public speaking events, social media, talking to various people daily, podcasts, and other media interviews.

The New Zealand government is committed to new builds being carbon neutral by 2032.

At only a decade away, hempcrete is the only carbon-negative construction available in the country today and as such, will be a soughtafter material for builders looking to build carbon neutral.

Jo is passionate about the association and educating others on the topic.

“We’re running out of time,” Jo says as she refers to climate change.

She says her vision is that “one day every new home in New Zealand will be built from hempcrete”.

“Building with hempcrete can literally help save our planet.”

Another goal of HBANZ is to help establish hempcrete construction trade apprenticeships. Jo says there’s real business potential for contractors to install hempcrete instead of licensed building practitioners.

Doing so could increase the number of hempcrete builds in big subdivisions.

Hempcrete can be used to build residential houses and also large commercial buildings.

In the UK, a large Marks and Spencer superstore is made from hempcrete.

At present, prices for hempcrete houses are about 10 to 15 percent more than an average house price.

There’s only a small number of hempcrete houses built in the country thus far. However, there’s a lot of growing interest in sustainable construction and hempcrete in particular.

Jo says HBANZ spreads awareness about the benefits of hempcrete construction through

Hemp Building Association of New Zealand 027 655 2219 jksaynz@gmail.com www.hba.nz

Hemp Building Association of New Zealand

NZ Natural Fibres NZ Natural Fibres is enabling the growth of hemp based construction techniques with its commissioning of New Zealand’s first hemp decortication facility in Christchurch.

NZ Natural Fibres is a new company founded by well-established local businesses which share a common passion: the immense potential of natural materials to change the world.

NZ Natural Fibres is a company that really cares about our planet and making sure their input into the industry is a positive one.

Their core values are: Innovation with creativity: Continuously disrupting their industry with step change alternatives.

Partnerships through people: They value their people, and work to create the perfect environment for win-win partnerships.

Integrity at their core: They strive to always do right by their customers, their people and the planet.

Naturally sustainable: Ensuring everything they do contributes to a naturally sustainable future.

Outstanding quality: Always ensuring the very best service and consistent results for their customers.

In a strategic partnership between the Carrfields Group and Hemp NZ, this venture set out to create an end-to-end pathway for the growing, harvesting and processing of hemp in NZ at a scale which will enable commercial entities to seriously consider substituting their existing building products with hemp-based alternatives.

The first-of-its-kind machine mechanically separates the bast fibre from the exterior of the stalk, from the lightweight core, hurd. It is the hurd that is used with a binding agent in the construction of ‘hempcrete,’ an alternative to concrete.

“It is becoming increasingly important for construction companies to be using more sustainable materials” says Business Development Manager Ryan Cosgrove.

“We are offering a material that has a fantastically low carbon footprint, is completely renewable and sustainable, and now at a scale that can give people confidence to spec for hemp.”

Though only in the market for under a year, the response has been overwhelming for hemp hurd as a building material. “It really feels like there was a small army of people just waiting for this to finally be available in NZ, and once we were open, they all quickly made contact.” As NZNF continues to streamline their operations and increase production rates even further, they are focused on creating more partnerships which reach even closer to the consumer.

“The opportunities for hempcrete construction in NZ, particularly in smaller healthy homes, are really incredible” says Cosgrove. Numerous construction companies are all testing and engineering so they can specify hempcrete in their projects and NZNF is ready to fill those orders as they come in.

NZ Natural Fibres would love to hear from you, get in touch with them today.

03-358 5015 customer.service@nznaturalfibres.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 69

New Zealand Security Association

Ensuring you hire the right security professional The private security industry in New Zealand provides a critical and often under appreciated component of the countries national security – protecting supply chains and critical infrastructure.

The industry employs some 25,000 workers – almost double the size of New Zealand’s Police Force and well over five times those deployed within the New Zealand Army.

It also generates in excess of $2.2 billion in annual turnover – approximately 0.8 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. Security providers (companies and individuals) operate under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, which ensures providers are of good standing and have the necessary training and skills relative to the occupational category they come under.

There are a variety of occupational categories but the largest include Security Officer, Electronic Equipment Trades Worker, Locksmiths, Security Consultants and Alarm Monitoring Operators.

The NZSA (New Zealand Security Association) is the representative peak body for the industry and whilst membership is voluntary, the associations members collectively

employ over 20,000 workers and generate approximately 85 percent of industry revenues.

The main areas of focus for the NZSA include: • Promoting viable career pathways and attracting new entrants to the industry

Codes of Practice. Membership can be checked here.

• Ensuring industry training is fit for purpose and meets industry needs

3. Ensure that all operational staff employed by the provider hold a security licence (also known as Certificate of Approval or CoA) Staff assigned to your site should have their licence/CoA on display or be able to provide on request. If the licence is blue in colour, it is a temporary licence and only valid for a three-month period to allow the holder to complete necessary training and apply for their full licence (green in colour).

• Shaping and improving industry best practice through standards, codes of practice and guidelines • Advocacy and education for continuous improvement, licensing adherence and awareness of security’s importance to the wider community.

Selecting a security provider When selecting a security provider there are some basic checks that we suggest builders and contractors should conduct – they are: 1. Ensure that they are licensed You can either ask for a copy of their licence or check via the PSPLA (Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority) Public Register click here.

2. Ensure that they are an NZSA Corporate member This will verify that they are of good standing, hold necessary licences and insurance cover and operate in compliance with Industry

4. Ensure documentation is correct Ensure the security provider documents service requirements in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (for Guarding or Protective services), or a System Operational Requirements (for electronic security including alarms, access control and CCTV).

5. Request references Particularly from customers within your immediate area and for similar size and scoped service requirements.

6. Check staff training Ask the provider to outline training provided to staff – both in-house and NZQA based.

7. Check the provider’s ability to meet labour requirements Ask the provider to outline their ability to meet labour resource requirements, including planning for Omicron variant and potential staff absence through illness or isolation requirements.

8. Check the provider’s pricing Challenge any providers who submit pricing significantly lower than other providers and request “open book” pricing:

- For physical security providers (guard and patrol services) the main cost component is labour. If one provider is significantly undercutting other providers, potentially they are paying staff below legislated requirements or using sham contracting arrangements

- For electronic security providers it is important to ensure that pricing is based on similar equipment specifications – both the quantity being provided and from reputable manufacturers.

Managing security provider relationship By following the recommendations above it is highly probable that you will be engaging with a professional and reputable security provider however, it is also important that the relationship is effectively managed.

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1. Ensure clear service delivery expectations using the SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) or SRO’s (System Operational Requirements) mentioned above.

2. Establish clear reporting channels between both organisations along with escalation contacts. This should cover scheduled meetings (frequency as appropriate) and who urgent matters can be escalated to with 24 x 7 availability.

3. Ensue that all service issues or concerns are raised with the nominated point of contact for your security provider – they may not be aware of the issue or the need for corrective actions.

4. Pass on appreciation and constructive feedback when appropriate.

In summary The academic definition of security is, “Security is a state or condition, in which people, property and assets are safe and adequately protected from all forms of loss damage and harm”.

With this in mind, it is helpful for prospective stakeholders/end users of security services to determine what assets are they trying to protect and what is the ‘success criteria’ of their intended asset protection requirements.

Once this has been realised, then an adequate scope can be placed around the stakeholders’ asset protection requirements and due diligence regarding engaging a reputable service provider, as clearly outlined, will ensure due diligence in initial asset protection governance decisions.

Article by Gary Morrison, CEO of the NZSA.

New Zealand Security Association

Hard Hats and Hard Targets: Securing your site The construction industry is often targeted by thieves attracted by the openness of construction sites and the high value goods they contain.

Without effective security measures in place, sites can face property loss and damage – and potential project delays.

According to various news reports, a recent rise in construction site thefts is becoming a major problem for builders. Last July, Newshub reported that at a Porirua site, thieves had taken off with timber, wiring, tools, fittings, scaffolding, and even toilet paper and notepads… despite items being locked or chained up.

With the skyrocketing cost of materials, Master Builders New Zealand president John Hamilton told the Otago Daily Times that the increase in thefts is occuring as the market for building materials is affected by rising costs and supply issues.

It’s costly and disruptive. Apart from the costs of replacing stolen or damaged materials and equipment are the additional costs of delays to construction work and the potential health and safety risks resulting from an inadequately secured site.

Assess your risks “Effective security begins with understanding what your security risks are,” says First Security CEO Tim Covic.

“Once you understand the potential threats and where your gaps are, you can then devise a plan that identifies the security control appropriate to your site.”

A risk assessment should be carried out before work begins. A detailed assessment will list the risks the site needs to address, how severe the risk is and the best way of implementing a security measure to deter or offset the hazard.

A comprehensive risk assessment will assess not only the on-site risks and controls, such as perimeter fencing, lighting, periods of non-attendance, electronic surveillance, locks and contractor and visitor access management processes, but also the outside risks, including local crime statistics, recent criminal activity and the state of the economy.

A good security risk assessment will detail the security controls appropriate to your site that will deter, detect and delay a security breach, and provide an immediate response.

Become a harder target Criminals conduct their own ‘risk assessment’ when selecting a site for theft or vandalism. A site with attractive items left in the open and obvious security gaps represents a soft target – low risk, high reward. A well secured site represents a hard target, and is therefore a no-go.

“Target hardening is about putting simple measures in place to deter a perpetrator from attempting to access your site,” Tim Covic explains. “It’s all about deterrence.”

Visible security measures are the most effective deterrents, particularly overnight or when the site is otherwise not attended.

Well-constructed and unclimbable perimeter fencing, securely locked access gates, well-positioned CCTV cameras, security waning signage, adequate lighting and on-site security guarding

FIRST Security is a market leader in security, providing services to companies and industries with varying business challenges. The safety of people and property is our top priority, so all our guards are fully vaccinated and regularly tested, for customer peace of mind. We have extensive coverage throughout New Zealand, and our commitment to customer service is proven. It’s the reason thousands of customers trust us to protect their people and assets safely every day.

But deterrence is also important when the site is active. Strong perimeters, obvious gate security and controls to site access and egress will minimise the risk of goods and equipment disappearing in plain sight.

“There’s nothing like the deterrence value of uniformed security personnel,” Tim says.

“As part of a coordinated set of security controls, well trained and experienced security officers and mobile patrols afford a next level of protection and response.”

As the cost of materials continues to increase, construction sites will continue to pose as attractive targets. Talk to FIRST Security about how they can assist you to plan your security and keep your site protected with their professional and fully vaccinated guarding and patrol services.

We can help your business with: Officers & Guards Concierge & Customer Service Mobile Patrols Event Security

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Issue #135 - B&C | 71

Women in Real Estate

Women leaders at the forefront of C21NZ’s success A key strength of Century 21 New Zealand is the significant role its many female franchise owners, salespeople, property and office managers play nationwide.

Century 21’s stylish brand and its reputation for superior service fitted our aspirations perfectly. What’s more, the technology available to the sales team is incredibly impressive.

One of the highest profile women for over a decade in the well-known rest estate company has been Derryn Mayne.

The energetic and successful realtor has owned Century 21 Gold Real Estate in South Auckland for the past 13 years. In fact, she boldly opened the Manurewa-based franchise during the Global Financial Crisis.

“I started my business in 2008 which was a really difficult time in real estate. However, through a lot of hard work, we broke into the local market to be in a strong position to succeed when better times followed,” Derryn says.

Since then, she has won numerous Australasian real estate awards and was inducted into Century 21’s prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2017. Two years later, Derryn bought a 25 percent stake of Century 21 New Zealand from Charles Tarbey, owner of Century 21 Australasia.

Down the road, the company’s newest franchise has opened in central Manukau.

Within six months, Century 21 Fairdeal Realty has grown its team to 16 busy people.

On South Auckland’s Lambie Drive, the female co-directors Rupinder Kaur and

opting for Turangi instead. What’s more, our locality is key, with ongoing Waikato Expressway improvements and Wellington’s Transmission Gully set to make the Central North Island even closer for many,” Wai says.

Surbani Sandhu hit the ground running.

They say working under Century 21’s well recognised global brand and unparalleled network has only boosted their local success.

“We had a vision of opening a boutique style office, instilling a new culture, and adopting a fresh approach to real estate.

“Century 21’s stylish brand and its reputation for superior service fitted our aspirations perfectly. What’s more, the technology available to the sales team is incredibly impressive,” Rupinder says.

“Use my time and expertise to save you money and let you do what you do well” Vayle Hammond

Director/Agent AREINZ Licenced REAA 2008

027 226 9532

Quick & easy!

E S T A T E

“We passionately drive a real team approach when it comes to sales. We draw on each other’s individual strengths to create the best possible results, with vendors always put first. We are incredibly proud of the team we inherited and have built since,” she says.

Gadsby Reality has also been busy winning Century 21 awards, with their success often making the local paper.

In fact, for the first quarter of 2021, the wellknown Waikato franchise on Te Awamutu’s Alexandra Street was ranked as the top office across the country.

On the sunny Kapiti Coast, Rebecca Houghton owns Century 21 A1 Realty based in Raumati South. Flying the flag in Christchurch, Ria Leung owns Century 21 Aurora Real Estate in Riccarton.

Wai Johnson owns Turangi’s Century 21 Premier with the franchise at the forefront of some huge price growth in the local housing market.

Te Awamutu Waipa Real Estate Ltd, MREINZ Licensed REAA 2008

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Previously Rebecca was the business manager for Learning Matters Limited.

She also has extensive legal experience as a registered legal executive specialising in conveyancing with law firms in Waikato.

Down the other end of Waikato, and at the southern end of Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, is the township of Turangi.

07 280 7536 waiparealestate.nz

R E A L

In 2019, Rebecca Fraser became the proud new owner of Century 21 Gadsby Realty in Te Awamutu. Her team has enjoyed significant success since.

In North Waikato, Barbara Craig owns Rural and Residential Real Estate on the main street of Huntly, while Esme Cole owns Century 21 Platinum Real Estate on George Street in Tuakau.

Contact me for a chat

firstnational

Fairdeal Realty’s team is squarely focused on some of South Auckland’s key residential growth areas and the country’s fastest developing and changing neighbourhoods.

And, yes, the sales team are already winning awards.

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“Turangi real estate has seen an explosion over the past three or four years, with the 3,000-person town and surrounding area only getting more popular. Property management is also a big part of our work, keeping my tight team very busy,” Wai says.

“With Taupo getting more expensive, many permanent residents and holidaymakers are

Century 21 has a long and successful history in Turangi, with a strong connect to the business community.

Over the years, the Turangi team has organised several annual charity evenings and Easter auctions. Fundraising proceeds have gone to the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, St John Youth and the local Coastguard.

Owner of Century 21 Stevens Realty in Mangakino, Christine Stevens, describes another former hydro-electricity town as “paradise in the middle of the North Island”.

“Mangakino is only a 40-minute drive to either Taupo or Rotorua, and only 20 minutes to Tokoroa. What’s more it’s just over an hour and a half to either Hamilton or the ski fields.

And it has great freshwater fishing, boating, hunting, golfing, and cycle tracks,” she says.

Christine says many Kiwis have discovered the quaint town, buying up many of the affordable former Ministry of Works twobedroom cottages.

“Working for yourself in such a serene location is food for the soul as they say,” says the local identity and Century 21 legend.

Back to Auckland, and long-time Century 21 personalities Annette Edwards and daughter Vicki Southgate are the female faces of Century 21 Edwards Realty in Botany.

The East Auckland franchise owners have long been achieving great results for their clients. Over the years Annette has sold hundreds of houses, while Vicki continually wins Property Manager and Property Management Office awards.

Century 21’s rebranding a few years ago was well-received internationally and New Zealand was no exception. They say dropping the world-famous yellow jackets and adopting a sleek new look has particularly resonated with women.

“Obviously we’re a family and have long operated as a family business. What we continue to enjoy about Century 21 is its family atmosphere nationally. The company now has so many women in leadership roles, with Century 21 always there to support and empower,” Vicki says.

Annette says the nationwide group of franchise owners are committed to growing Century 21’s market share in New Zealand.

She says with everyone so passionate about the brand, it’s easy to promote Century 21 franchise opportunities to others.

Women in Real Estate

The Importance of having a support team around you What I have learnt while owning the First National agency is the importance of having a good support team, not just in the office but a team of professional in their respective fields.

The First National Group is a co-operative, each office is individually owned, yet we collectively work together and support each other.

I am learning all the time what the “We Put You First “means as a philosophy throughout our organization. We have a great National team of staff and board that provide resources and support, organise training and do the hard yards finding the best providers for our specific needs. We have a pool of experienced Agents working in the field happy to answer questions and provide resource, I never need to reinvent the wheel. I learn from their experience Two members on my external team share their professional wisdom for you.

It is very important to talk to your lawyer about asset protection before you go into business (not when it all turns to custard!).One of the most common and effective ways to protect your assets when you start a business (especially where this business is a trade business or has employees), is to settle a Trust. When you transfer assets into a Trust, you are no longer the legal owner of those assets.

I know I’m lucky to be part of the First National Real Estate Family.

Locally I belong to Venus, a women’s business Networking group, I found this group my rock when starting up and going through some speed wobbles. We meet fortnightly and discuss a business topic, this enables a focus on an aspect of our business to see how we can grow and improve. Hearing the knowledge and experience of others in the group build on my ongoing learning.

“Cash Flow is King!”

By Rachel Balme from Accountants NZ

In any business you need cash in the bank to operate. While you have invoices going out to your clients, this does not necessarily give you money in the bank today. Money in the bank gives you choices and a solid business base to help you sleep at night.

Here a couple of things that may help: 1. Follow up on all your invoices and do not let them become overdue 2. If you can, make your invoices you send out, 7 days to pay rather than the 20th of the month following 3. Be very careful when looking at asset purchases (eg tools and vehicles) that you have enough cash reserves to keep paying your bills. Look at borrowing to spread the payments and protect your cash flow. Talk to your accountant before you buy 4. Save your tax money in a separate interest-bearing account 5. Have an accounting system like Xero to keep track of where you are cash flow wise

“Protect Your Assets!!”

By Nicole Porima from Gallie miles

“It is very important to talk to your lawyer about asset protection before you go into business (not when it all turns to custard!).

One of the most common and effective ways to protect your assets when you start a business (especially where this business is a trade business or has employees), is to

settle a Trust. When you transfer assets into a Trust, you are no longer the legal owner of those assets. This means that if, through the course of your business activities, there are, for example, creditor or Worksafe claims made against you personally, the assets that are held in the Trust will be protected from these claims or penalties. We recommend all valuable assets are transferred into the Trust, for example, your family home, shares, investments and even sometimes vehicles. It is also important to talk to your lawyer and accountant first about whether the Trust should own some shares in the business (if it is a company) as this can have some tax implications that need to be considered.”

My advice is to get your team together, do you have a good lawyer, accountant and Realestate professional. We can do our job helping you build your business and give you the time to focus on what you do well, what’s your passion? your trade? Give it your focus, make use of our time and expertise to help you.

I have a passion for realestate and helping people.

Let me be your first choice in real estate because we put you first.

Vayle Hammond Director/Agent from First National Te Awamutu

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 73

Women in Real Estate

The importance of a support team

When returning to the workforce after time out parenting, I was looking to a job that involved meeting people and being part of the community. I imagined an office job in town so I would be part of the vibrancy of the CBD. That interview led to me going on to train in Real Estate for my salesperson licence. I was able to draw on previous careers in Education as a kindergarten teacher and NZEI Te Riu Roa as a field officer. Both required good negotiation skills, communication and relationship building.

Starting my Realestate journey with the First National Brand and working for the local agency I left in my third year gaining experience under another brand, before deciding that I would like to be part of the decision making in the systems and process we use.

I set up First National Te Awamutu in 2017, wanting to provide the right amount of professionalism and care, because our clients don’t sell houses every day- it can be a very stressful process. As agents and salespeople, we have ongoing training to understand the Sale documents and their implications. Let our knowledge and time help you get the best outcome.

It’s very important to me that our agency has the right culture of helping and supporting each other, so we can be best prepared to help and support you for a tailored real estate experience.

We pride ourselves on easing the process, being there for you from the first point of contact. It’s very important to me that our agency has the right culture of helping and supporting each other, so we can be best prepared to help and support you for a tailored real estate experience. We invest in our clients so you can focus on the next step.

My values • • • • •

Respect and empathy Taking time to do it right Reducing the stress from the process Good old-fashioned honesty Providing the right information, so you can make an informed decision.

I lead by example and would not expect anyone to do something I would not.

I believe that by appreciating others efforts, acknowledging what they do and encouraging their input allows for ownership of projects and genuine buy in to complete the task well.

Choosing the location was a natural process of wanting to live list and sell locally and we have expanded where we work because of demand and now have a salesperson based in Piopio to cover the south Waikato area.

At the initial office set up I was lucky to employ an administrator with an advertising background, and as it happened the following two administrators did as well. What I realised along the way is that was exactly what we need to make sure we present us and our vendors properties to the market in the best way possible.

Choosing people who have knowledge in other areas and complement what I do, so I am free to do what I do well.

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We invest in our clients because we know the importance of getting the base of the project right. We understand that we are often entrusted with our client’s biggest asset and doing it right first time is important.

We use this philosophy internally and externally with our marketing of our vendors properties. We employ a professional photographer to provide the very best photos, floor plan and signboard, we widely advertise our listings over 7 websites and provide gold package as a TradeMe partner. We have worked out our strategy, we list with a price because we know the market, we invest in our clients because we know the importance of getting the base of the project right. We understand that we are often entrusted with our client’s biggest asset and doing it right first time is important.

First National 3First Time 3 First Choice 3 We have a strong community support focus, we regularly provide bach stays for local schools’ sports groups and charities, sponsoring Mathematics for a Lifetime Trust, Waikato Breast Cancer, Te Awamutu Croquet club, Te Awamutu Golf Club, cycling kit for locals young and old just to name a few. We are happy to volunteer person power where we can in the community.

What I have learnt while owning the First National agency is the importance of having a good support team, not just in the

office but a team of professionals in their respective fields.

First National is a co-operative, all agencies are individually owned, with a common goal of helping our colleagues throughout Australasia. We all work together, with the best interest of our vendors. When you sign up with a First National agency you get to make to the most of the national and international network, with people who want your business to be supported, who make the time to provide you with what you need and genuinely want to be part of your team.

Use our time and expertise to save you money and let you do what you do well. Our expertise is in Marketing, Communication and Negotiation – we can work with the buyers for you!

It’s too easy to think I can do it all and reap all the reward, but experience has taught me to share the responsibility and my time is better spent doing what I do well.

Our team is ready to help you, let us join your team!

Vayle Hammond Director/Agent from First National Te Awamutu

Women in Real Estate

firstnational

BETTER TOGETHER You are your biggest asset, so when making an investment or marketing decision you need the right people at your side, a good lawyer, financial advisor, and real estate professional.

Finding the ideal combination of professionalism, experience and understanding is what brings you to us.

Let us be part of your team!

Vayle

027 226 9532

Tania

027 203 8261

Lynne

021 0224 4700

07 280 7536 • admin@waiparealestate.nz waiparealestate.nz • 35 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu

Waipa Real Estate Ltd, MREINZ Licensed REAA 2008

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Issue #135 - B&C | 75

Southland and Central Otago

Waste not, want not In an effort to promote more sustainable water use across the region, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is expanding a smart water meter trial to 270 sites in Luggate.

QLDC’s general manager Property and Infrastructure, Peter Hansby, explained for the most part, it is presently not possible to gauge water usage across the district at a household level, and where it can be, it is a manual task only which is only seldom completed.

“Smart water meters are a way to measure water usage automatically and continuously.

Trialling a smart water meter solution will allow us to measure in almost real time the amount of water used and allow us to find and fix leaks faster, improving the overall management of our network.”

The trial originally started with 20 households in Glenorchy last year and will be expanded to Luggate this month, along with an additional 160 sites in Glenorchy from July.

“If the trial is successful, smart meters could be rolled out more widely across the district, however any decision to do this

will require a wider conversation with the community. The insights from our current trial will provide a basis for our next steps,” Peter says.

“It’s important to note that Council is not currently looking to review how water services are charged.

“The purpose of this trial is to collect information around typical water usage in the district, to educate residents about their usage, identify leaks, and better understand the technology on offer.”

The purpose of this trial is to collect information around typical water usage in the district, to educate residents about their usage, identify leaks, and better understand the technology on offer.

Participating households will be contacted prior to installation, and each installation – wherein contractors will install smart water meter caps on existing water meters in Luggate households – is expected to take less than an hour, with water shut off for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Following these installations, the council will be able to measure water usage using a

web-based software, helping its operations and maintenance contractor to efficiently identify any leaks, reduce water loss, and improve the overall management of the network.

Individuals will also be able to access information about their water consumption using an app, not so dissimilar to preexisting apps which track household electricity usage. More information about this app will be supplied to households as part of the trial.

“We hope it will help households understand how much water they’re using and when, along with any unusual consumption patterns, for example, excessive usage at night when demand should be close to zero,” said Mr Hansby.

At the outset, the trial will run for around twelve months, after which a review will be completed to establish next steps.

Set to begin in April, the project will hopefully support sustainable water use now, as well as into the future.

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Southland and Central Otago

The timing’s right While the days are getting shorter and the first frost is getting closer, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the game and explore winter heating options at Hotspot Fires & Installations.

Nothing beats the comfort and ambiance of a fire. We can all relate to stepping into a deliciously warm home and letting the golden glow of the fire warm the backs of the legs.

If “no mess, no fuss, just great heat” appeals and fits your lifestyle, then a stylish pellet fire is the answer. The Italian Ravelli pellet burners are exclusive to Hotspot Fires & Installations and feature the latest technology from one of Europe’s leading manufacturers. The new 2019 Dual 7 and Natural 7 models take convenience to another level.

These fires are exceptionally efficient, whisper-quiet, available with or without a convection fan, self-cleaning, and fully controllable to a seven-day timer/ thermostat. The “icing on the cake” for tech-savvy folk is optional Wi-Fi, enabling

all the Ravelli models to be easily operated remotely via a mobile phone or tablet.

Modern log burning fires have also recently improved in leaps and bounds. The Blaze King catalytic combustion burning fires from Canada are exclusively supplied and installed by Hotspot Fires & Installations and are second to none. These fires were designed in direct response to the Canadian Air Plan Regulations over 30 years ago and can achieve burn times of 15 to 20 hours from a single load of wood while producing thermostatically controlled heat, all night long.

Hotspot Installations have been keeping homes warm since 2015. Locally owned and operated, Hotspot travel throughout the Southland & Central Otago region, installing and servicing fireplaces.

“People really enjoy waking up to a warm home without worrying about the fire going out during the night. They can then add more wood to the fire when they get up, turn up the heat and they’re in a cosy home no matter what the time of the day is,” says Hotspot co-owner Laura Tily. Blaze King has a 40-year history of making wood fires and a 30-year award-winning history of making catalytic wood fires, mainly to heat homes in the freezing Canadian winter.

With the new rules to home heating in Invercargill, Gore, Central Otago now in place, Hotspot Fires & Installations has the knowledge and experience to ensure your new burner is compliant with the National Environmental Standards (NES) for Air Quality.

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SOUTHLAND 96 Kelvin St, Invercargill P: 03 218 8802 E: invercargill@hotspotinstalls.co.nz The home heating specialists signed up to Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme in December 2019, a programme designed to encourage homeowners to make their homes warmer, drier, and healthier. Through the scheme, homeowners could apply for grants to offset the costs associated with installing compliant home heating systems. To find out if you are eligible, go to www. energywise.govt.nz and click on the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool.

If you are unsure whether your burner is compliant with current clean air rules, get in touch today and the staff at Hotspot Fires & Installations Ltd can help.

CENTRAL OTAGO 1/17 Chardonnay St, Cromwell P: 03 428 3197 E: cromwell@hotspotinstalls.co.nz

www.hotspotinstallations.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 77

Southland and Central Otago

Wanaka’s lakefront set for face-lift

Situated on the shores of New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, Wānaka is the ideal spot for every type of traveller.

Stage Two will see the implementation of a shared pathway on the area of lakefront running from McDougall Street to Dungarvon Street, connecting Mt Aspiring Road Carpark with Wānaka’s town centre and displaying new Millennium pathway tiles alongside it.

“We also plan to install a series of pou at the western end of the site near Dungarvon Street, representing specific elements of Wānaka and acting as a welcome to the area.

The existing bund along the lakefront will be flattened out to improve access and views.”

Indeed, whether you’re into hiking and skiing, or fine-wine and golfing, the resort-town boasts a charming appeal that goes simply unmatched.

110 new car parking spaces and four accessible spaces will be added along the lake side of Ardmore Street, opposite Pembroke Park and broken into sections to create view shafts and access points. Parking on the grass lawns along the lake’s edge will be prohibited.

Wānaka Community Board (WCB) Chair, Barry Bruce, shared he was excited about construction starting on Stage Two, and that the Board was eagerly anticipating another section of Wānaka’s lakefront that would prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

Recognising the unique character and potential of the once-sleepy town, and the increasing demands and the different recreational uses, in 2015 the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) commissioned Reset Urban Design to prepare a development plan for the Wānaka Lakefront.

Seven years on – and countless extensive consultations with the public later – the QLDC have announced construction on Stage Two of the plan, which commenced on Monday, April 11, 2022.

QLDC general manager Community Services, Thunes Cloete, was pleased to see Stage Two about to take shape, saying that once complete, the area of lakefront would be a greatly improved space for people to enjoy.

“Stage Two will feature expanded and irrigated lawns, creating open space and providing new places for people to sit, enjoy a picnic, and marvel at the view without vehicles or campervans in the way,” Thunes says.

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“With vehicles prohibited from the lake’s edge and new parking added along Ardmore Street, we’re going to see expanded lawn areas, native planting and a space where people can really enjoy everything Wānaka’s lakefront has to offer,” Barry says.

Construction is estimated to be complete by the end of September 2022.

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Next Edition Kitchens

Next Edition Kitchens Whangarei kitchen design is what Next Edition Kitchens is all about. Locally owned and operated by Ryan Bourke, with a strong team of experienced kitchen designers and custom cabinet makers behind them, you can be assured that we’re all about kitchens!

Here at Next Edition Kitchens we have a special recipe, the one to design and build fabulous kitchens! Whether your kitchen is a chef’s dream, a stunning showpiece or simply the heart of your home, we can help you personalise this magical space to suit to your changing needs.

Our passion lies in helping to keep the Northland economy going. We have a strong focus on Whangarei & Northland kitchen design. This is reflected in our factory location at 50 Kioreroa Road.

Being part of our town’s history helps our creativity to flow when it comes to creating dream kitchens, custom laundries, wardrobes, custom cabinets, renovation plans or shop fittings.

Our team of designers is turning out some spectacular options and would love to help you turn your visions to reality — uniquely functional and aesthetically pleasing fall easily into our visions!

Trusted Local Staff Ryan and the staff are hardworking, familyorientated people. Ryan has been working in Whangarei kitchen design for more than a decade now. Ryan is an expert at creating the smallest of custom cabinets through to

entirely new kitchens. He does this all within the budgets set by our clients. Whether you are building your dream home from scratch, or renovating a tiny cottage, we can help you create your ideal kitchen – the heart of any home.

Personalised service is guaranteed with us.

We will travel to your home so we can get an idea of your tastes and style, and then get to work finding all the necessary stuff that suits you and your requirements. You will then be sent a quote and 3D design, no strings attached!

Working with us is simple, stress-free and results in you getting the kitchen of your dreams. Whether big or small, luxurious or simplistic – we can do it all.

Here at Next Edition Kitchens, our job is to make your life easier. Let us take care of you, and the other tradespeople you will need for your kitchen, leaving you to enjoy the finished product. Thinking about an upgrade? Think Next Edition Kitchens, call us now on 09 430 3074 or maybe email us on sales@NextEditionKitchens.com and we will arrange a site measure and consultation to enable us to meet your needs in that special space we all enjoy the benefits.

nexteditionkitchens.com www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #135 - B&C | 79

Northland

Infrastructure upgrades to protect against future weather events Extensive flooding in the Northland region during 2020 left homes, land and businesses battered in extreme conditions that the region hadn’t weathered since the devastating central Whangārei floods of the 1950s.

The floods caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage and served as an extremely difficult time for local communities, the unforeseen event coinciding with the initial Covid-19 outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns.

Mother Nature had proven far stronger than the regions existing infrastructure and waterway systems, they were providing zero to little protection and simply were not up to standard to shelter the storms.

It was clear new systems needed to be put in place to safeguard the region and its communities from any future weather attacks.

The Northland Regional Council has been busy collaboratively working with Mana Whenua on plans to construct a new bridge and spillway that will protect against 80 | B&C - Issue #135

floodwaters, heavily reducing the flood risk to Otiria and Moerewa.

long bridge to handle a 1:100 year plus climate change flood event.

Northland Regional Councillor, Justin Blaikie, outlined in a press release to the council, that pressure on nearby streams is a large contributing factor of the heavy water levels and therefore flooding.

“The new bridge will replace a smaller 18-metre existing bridge and will help reduce flooding to Otiria and Moerewa.”

He says in a big flood, about 80 percent of the water from the Otiria Stream spills over nearby land as does 70 percent from the Waiharakeke Stream.

The existing Pokapu Road Bridge (an old manmade structure) disrupts the natural flow of the current which contributes to flooding as it causes flood water to flow towards houses and two maraes and then eventually flows to the Waiharakeke river.

The $5 million dollar project which is being jointly funded by the Northland Regional Council and government has commenced.

The planned three-stage process began in late February of this year with the first stage - a $500,000 project to construct a 150 metre lower spillway from Pokapu Road to where it meets the Waiharekeke River.

Justin says the second stage, the most extensive, is when the construction of the bridge commences.

“Subject to landowner approval, this will involve construction of the new 60-metre-

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

The construction of the bridge is the most intricate, time consuming and expensive part of the project, with stage two expected to cost approximately $3.9 million alone.

The final stage, which is calculated to cost around 700,000, will be the construction of an upper slip way and stopbank from the new bridge to the Otiria Stream to suspend overland flow and direct stream of floodwater to the Waiharakeke River.

The collaboration of Northland Regional Council and Mana Whenua on the planning of the work showcased wonderfully the power of co-operation in project planning.

The project is designed to reduce future flood severity by 75 percent, working to actively divert water streams when the rain comes.

This will make a drastic impact on the region, protecting townships, the marae and future generations from the devastation of flooding, something that current residence sadly, know all too well.

In environment New Zealand’s 2020 Atmosphere and Climate report it was concluded that climate change increases the risk of natural disasters.

Extreme rain, drought and wildfire risk are expected to increase in many places. It also noted that approximately between 2007 and 2017 climate change related floods and droughts cost the New Zealand economy $840 million.

The council was able to be guided by the hapū to ensure decisions being made were acceptable and aligned with the values of the community.

The report also emphasised how climate change affects Māori. Due to their close relationship with the environment and its resources, Māori people are among the first to be directly affected by climate change.

Local kaitiaki Wiremu Keretene says the process, “Demonstrated and showed us what a true partnership looks like from a hapu mana whenua point of view when referring to Te Wakaputanga 1835 and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840”.

Combating the effects of climate change through new infrastructure is of high importance in the coming years - the new bridge and spillway fulfilling the needs of the community- ensuring protection from such elements for years to come.

Northland

FG Insurance Services FG Insurance Services (also known as FGIS) understand their client's business and unique insurance needs since 2011.

It’s all about delivering personal services and giving quality advice.

Clients know they can count on FGIS to get the best insurance solutions as the team will protect their most precious assets.

All the branches have dedicated Claims Advisers to help clients through their entire claims process.

FGIS provides a wide range of services such as: • Personal insurance (including home and content, private hull, and private motor) • Rural insurance (including agricultural contractor, farm lifestyle block, livestock, and orchard) • Specialist industries (including body corporates, freight forwarders, industrial property, and manufacturers) • Business insurance (including association liability, aviation, business interruption, carriers’ liability, corporate travel, cyber liability, general liability, heavy/fleet motor, management liability, material damage, and professional indemnity).

FGIS offers a variety of solutions for its clients.

The team is full of experts with great knowledge and can understand their client’s specific needs.

The team develops insurance solutions that protect their client’s business. They provide a great relationship with clients to gain trust with one another.

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but the team is there to support and advise clients of the best options from their insurance programme.

As a local insurance broker, FGIS is here to provide personal services, knowledge, and insurance advice to guide clients in the right direction.

The team has lots of experience and passion to help clients and their businesses succeed.

The team is there to help their clients with whatever they need.

In terms of working during Covid-19 restrictions, the team is still able to assist clients throughout the government’s changing alert levels.

Make contact quickly and efficiently as FGIS's troubleshooting is open 24/7.

Whether it’s home intervention (water leak, loss of keys), or vehicle troubleshooting.

Call +64 0800 344 700.

All team member’s contact details are displayed on the website, and branches are open during level 2.

The website www.fgis.co.nz allows clients to get a quote, make a claim or make a payment.

Go onto the website to make contact regarding quotes, claims, accounts, or queries.

Already a customer? FGIS makes it easier for previous clients to use their services just by one click via the website.

Log in to report or monitor a claim, make a payment, and/or seek help when looking for a mortgage, life, or medical-related advice.

Clients can also book to have a ‘complimentary first meeting’ and see other client’s feedback so everyone knows just how great the FGIS team really is.

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Issue #135 - B&C | 81

Foxton

Foxton attracts spacious new NZMCA motorhome park Industry leaders when it comes to concrete products and supplies.

Foxton’s reputation as an arts and heritage town is growing fast and attracts delighted visitors from far and wide.

“The Motorhome Park will be beneficial to everybody. The club gets extra revenues, visitors get a great environment where they can comfortably stay for a few days, and Foxton and Foxton Beach get people from out of town spending their holiday dollars.

With increasing numbers of campervans exploring the town, the NZ Motorhome Caravan Association decided to open its own motorhome park – at the Foxton Racing Club grounds.

“We painted the fence and refurbished the signage on State Highway 1, and we’re making our new visitors feel very welcome.”

“This is an impressive vote of confidence in Te Awahou Foxton’s future as a visitor destination,” says Horowhenua District Mayor, Bernie Wanden.

“The good news just keeps on coming. We are a national awards finalist as our country’s ‘Most Beautiful Small Town’.

“The newly re-developed River Loop park is attracting plenty of families from out of town and has just achieved an international Green Flag Award. And Foxton Beach of course is bustling as an all-time summer favourite.”

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www.mastermix.co.nz 82 | B&C - Issue #135

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The NZMCA represents over 58,000 family members and over 107,000 individuals nationwide.

“What attracted us to Foxton, is that it’s the ideal stopover between the cultural and culinary delights of Wellington, and all the adventures National Park and Mt Ruapehu have to offer,” says NZMCA national manager, James Imlach.

“Our members tell us they are entertained by cultural attractions, walkways, cycle trails, beaches, rivers and amazing views and scenery.

“Te Awahou Foxton with the Beach, and the Tararua Ranges in the background, offers all of that. And the UNESCO-recognised wetlands, where you can watch the kuaka/ godwits or a flock of spoonbills from only some 100 metres away. That’s just perfect.”

The Foxton Racing Club is an all-weather training and horse racing course that organises show jumping, dressage and showing events. The grounds are home to the Moutoa Pony Club and the Central Districts Equestrian Society.

“We are already used to hosting big events, like the annual National Pony Club Show Jumping Championships, when lots of campervans come to stay on our grounds,” says Steve Kupa, president of the Foxton Racing Club.

“It was a logical next step for us, to work in partnership with the NZMCA – who have full support from Horowhenua District Council.

“We want to offer our visitors a great all year-round experience,” says Mayor Bernie.

“There are so many attractions and activities to discover here. Plus, we organise events almost every public holiday, whether it’s Waitangi Day, Easter, Matariki or ANZAC and Labour weekend. It’s all happening in Foxton.”

What attracted us to Foxton, is that it’s the ideal stopover between the cultural and culinary delights of Wellington, and all the adventures National Park and Mt Ruapehu have to offer.

Foxton and Foxton Beach are home to highadrenaline experiences like jetski hire on the Manawatū River, and the Cable Wakeboard Park, but visitors can also enjoy some quiet multi-cultural immersion at Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park.

There’s Māori and Dutch art galore, and heritage to discover in windmill De Molen and the Flax Stripper Museum.

The award-winning Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is home to a renowned art gallery and the Piriharakeke and Oranjehof museums that tell the stories of mana whenua and Dutch immigrants. Walkways take wanderers along the picturesque River Loop, with electric BBQs and a playground.

Foxton has been a motorhome friendly town for many years. “We’ve now taken the next step,” says Mayor Wanden.

“The new Motorhome Park is a truly big step up in collaboration between the NZMCA and Council. It maximises opportunities in Foxton, which are to the benefit of all parties involved.”

Site Safe NZ Inc

Site Safe NZ Inc As restrictions on New Zealand’s borders loosen, the construction sector will be looking to capitalise on the incoming flow of migrant workers. In a post-Covid economy, that brings risks and opportunities.

Supply chain concerns, rising construction costs, and labour shortages have been felt throughout the sector since the emergence of Covid-19. The industry developed pandemic work protocols that were sector leading and engendered confidence in the industry's ability to work safely through the pandemic.

Construction industry safety body, Site Safe NZ, believes that the sector has worked hard on lifting its game when it comes to the care and welfare of its workers over the past two years.

Site Safe chief executive, Brett Murray says a big part of what makes an industry attractive to workers is in how it looks after its people.

“Not just in terms of pay but also safety, wellbeing, development opportunity and stability. In a tight labour market, where skills are in high demand, positioning construction as an industry of choice is going to be critical in coming years.”

Site Safe offers many resources to help businesses and employees build safer and healthier workplaces.

This includes a variety of its foundation passport and passport plus training courses translated into seven languages to reflect the industry’s diverse needs. More translated courses will be made available later in the year.

Some businesses may have already noticed fluctuations in the workforce as restrictions ease.

Those who previously plied their trade in Australia or Kiwis returning from abroad have been eligible to arrive here since February 27 and without having to go into a Managed Isolation and Quarantine facility or self-isolation since March 2.

This is part of the Government’s five phases to reopening the borders, announced in early February.

It’s better to be Site Safe than sorry Aotearoa’s leading not-for-profit health and safety solutions provider sitesafe.org.nz

Skilled workers who are not Kiwis but are earning more than $84,000 a year have also been allowed to return since early March, including those involved in major infrastructure projects, rural contractors and both short and long term workers deemed critical.

The resumption of normal visa processing and travellers from anywhere will be allowed to enter New Zealand from October.

A Registered Master Builders Association spokeswoman welcomed migrant workers to the construction industry, saying work opportunities in the sector had grown in the last two years but New Zealand did

not have the domestic workforce to meet the demand.

She said businesses should be prepared for not only taking on new employees but to also lose some, referencing a recent Ipsos survey on the sector.

It showed that 21 percent of current construction workers are planning to leave New Zealand, while 20 percent were planning to leave the construction sector in the next five years.

“The transition period will be stressful for many businesses, who [will] be losing valuable staff, but will not be able to replace them,” she said.

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